With months of preparation behind them, University of Pretoria student-athletes are set to compete in tournaments across the country, carrying the TuksSport banner with pride.
Pretoria, South Africa (28 November 2025) – The countdown to South Africa’s biggest student-athlete games is on! The University of Pretoria is gearing up for another exciting season of student-athlete excellence as TuksSport prepares to send its teams to compete across South Africa in the 2025 USSA Competitions. From football to tennis, chess to water polo, these events bring together the nation’s top university athletes for a showcase of skill and university pride.
Several TuksSport teams are heading into the competitions with strong line-ups and a drive to claim medals and honours. The anticipation is especially high for football fans, as the A Division tournament will be hosted on home turf at UP-Tuks starting 1 December. While playing at home can come with its own set of pressures, Head of Program Mr. Nndwakhulu believes the squad is more than prepared.
“Playing at home is always a lot more challenging with added pressure. Our team is, however, very focused and hungry for the challenge of taking top honours.”
On the cricket front, the Tuks team is eager to make its mark at the University of Stellenbosch (Maties). After experiencing a mix of results over the last couple of seasons—claiming the title in 2023 and finishing third in 2024—they have trained intensively and are ready to showcase their skills. Positioned in Section A2 alongside formidable teams like Maties, UWC, and Wits, they will face UWC in their opening match, a game many are keenly looking forward to.
Meanwhile, other TuksSport squads are set for action nationwide. The basketball and chess teams will be vying for glory at Wits University, while the tennis team heads to the University of the Free State for their tournament. The variety of competitions emphasizes the university’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded athletic experience for its students.
To rally the athletes, Steven Ball, Director of TuksSport and CEO of the University of Pretoria High Performance Centre, conveyed an encouraging message. Emphasizing the importance of pride, teamwork, and hard work, he urged all athletes to trust in their training and give it their all.
“Go out there with pride, give it your all and trust the training. Wishing all the TuksSport teams best of luck for the upcoming USSA season. Your hard work, teamwork, and spirit are your greatest strengths.”
With months of preparation culminating in this significant moment, the TuksSport teams are not just ready to compete—they are ready to represent the University of Pretoria with pride. As these athletes set forth to showcase their talents and embody the competitive spirit that characterizes this esteemed institution, they carry with them not just their individual dreams but the collective aspirations of a university that thrives on excellence.