USC Magazine by Varsity Sports

2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2017

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

BACKING TOMORROWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

LEGENDS

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

MANAGING EDITOR Luke Thorrold ART DIRECTOR Michelle Joubert USC CONTRIBUTORS Luke Thorrold Lyndon Julius Marisa Calvert PRINTING LORRAINE LINES

contents introduction The Business of Changing Lives pg. 2 – 3 The Past 5 Years in Numbers pg. 4 – 5

publicity USC CEO Flip van Zyl board members Prof. Tyrone Pretorius (UWC) Mrs Ilhaam Groenewald (US) Prof. Roderick Walker (RU) Dr. Sibongile Muthwa (NMU) Prof. Tawana Kupe (WITS) Ms Nomsa Mahlangu (UJ) PA to uSC CEO renÉ ABRAHAMS

HOW HAS VARSITY SPORTS MADE AN IMPACT ON SPORTS IN SA? pg. 6 – 7

COACHING THE RISE OF SA SPORT’S UNSUNG HEROES – coaches pg. 8 THE IMPACT VARSITY SPORTS HAS HAD ON COACHING STRUCTURES AND DEVELOPMENT

pg. 9 ASEM CEO ASEM VARSITY SPORTS CFO ASEM VARSITY SPORTS FINANCIAL MANAGER PA TO ASEM CEO

FranCois Pienaar Taryn Monaghan Yoshini Pillay Rhona Langan

ATHLETES LAYING A FOUNDATION BEYOND THE FIELD

pg. 11

RISING STARS pg. 12 – 17 OLYMPIANs, STARS AND TOP ATHLETES THAT PARTICIPATED IN VARSITY SPORTS

pg. 18 – 23 VARSITY SPORTS CEO Duitser Bosman OPERATIONAL EXECUTIVE Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi OPERATIONAL EXECUTIVE Jana Arlow OPERATIONAL EXECUTIVE SPONSORSHIP Jean Willers AND OPERATIONAL MANAGER MARKETING EXECUTIVE Michael Varney MARKETING MANAGER Vuyolwethu Gabelana MARKETING INTERN Franco du Preez OPERATIONAL ASSISTANT Cameron Peverett MARKETING AND MATCH DAY MANAGER Baphiwe Mfundisi GROUP LOGISTICS Tumi Bogatsu PA TO VARSITY SPORTS CEO Nita Human

SPORT DEVELOPMENT ON CAMPUS STRENGTHENING OUR STRUCTURES

pg. 24 – 25

A BRAND ADOPTED BY THE COMMUNITY

pg. 26 – 27

THE IMPACT OF VARSITY SPORTS ON UPGRADING OF FACILITIES AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL pg. 28

INNOVATION BENDING THE RULES FOR GROWTH MANAGING DIRECTOR Jaco-Louis Groenewald HEAD OF PR Marisa Calvert HEAD OF CONTENT Luke Thorrold SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Siraj Kamedien DESIGNERS Josh Botha Ricardo Lategan

pg. 30 – 3 1

USSA STAMP OF APPROVAL taking south african sport to the next level pg. 32 VARSITY SPORTS 2017

THE BUSINESS OF

changing lives In 2012 South African sports would be forever changed, as Varsity Sports was born. Following the success of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, Varsity Sports was launched, beginning with just two sports codes played over the space of a few days.

In four short years it would add SIX more tournaments, as opportunities for thousands of athletes were created. It was imperative to founder, Francois Pienaar, that Varsity Sports would create a legacy that lay firm foundations. In 2010, off the back of a successful few years of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, it became evident that there was a need for a unified management company to form, to hold the media rights of the universities and allow them to be licenced and commercialised. The University Sport Company (USC) was the answer to that, allowing sponsors who share in the vision of promoting high performance sport at university level, to put their backing behind an extraordinary product.

FLIP VAN ZYL University Sport Company CEO The USC and Varsity Sports have assisted in transforming sport, to provide opportunities at tertiary level, but still emphasise the importance of education and preparing for life after sport. Although both companies are relatively young, the impact they’ve already had has been immense. There has been a substantial increase in the employment of new and additional coaching staff, as well as a large investment into sport support

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

services such as sport scientists and biokineticists. Many member universities are now able to supply their prospective studentathletes with bursaries and can offer assistance outside of, and during, the various Varsity Sports tournaments. The USC has allowed universities to not only develop their sports departments, facilities and players, but grow the university’s brand through marketing opportunities. What the USC and Varsity Sports have ultimately done is empower universities and their students. And if you look to the likes of Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya it’s clear to see that young South Africans are dreaming bigger than ever.

The primary objective of the USC is to promote high performance sport. Over the past five years, an investment of more than R200 million has been made in university sport through the Varsity Sports tournaments. These tournaments serve as a platform for talent identification and development, and offer member universities a marketing platform for their brands.

Many tournaments nationwide are adopting these innovative ideas after their success at the Varsity Sports tournaments.

In just five years the USC together with Varsity a supporting role to all University Sport Sports have contributed South Africa (USSA) structures and national to changing the lives federations. While the entertainment of thousands for value has contributed to full stadiums and the better. increased TV viewership, value is being

Varsity Sports has succeeded in playing

added to the lives of players, coaches and universities through financial support. USSA tournaments form the foundation of the Varsity Sports tournament qualification framework, and they have also benefitted in that member universities have increased the quality of their performance. The Varsity Sports tournaments have become a great testing ground for innovative ideas, such as Power Plays and other rule changes. These ideas are what make the tournaments attractive, unique and help to keep the supporters excited and entertained.

The possibilities that the next fIVE years hold are endless.

FRANCOIS PIENAAR Advent Sport Entertainment and Media CEO

Varsity Sports = Sportainment. Varsity Sports is a high performance competition, bridging the gap between school sport and professional sport. It is a trampoline for talent.

Before Varsity Sports existed, many of our athletes would simply fade away after school, mainly due to of a lack of competition and funding. With the introduction of Varsity Sports, those late developers and talented athletes now have the opportunity to represent their universities in one of South Africa’s premier sporting competitions. The majority of our events are broadcast live on television, allowing these athletes to be seen by thousands. Many scouts now also use this platform to identify talent.

The Varsity Sports model is similar to collegiate sport in the United States, where education and sport coexist. For me, it’s about representing your university, province, or country, whilst completing your degree. A Bafana Bafana, Springbok or Protea athlete, with a degree. Education is vitally important and we constantly stress the balance between education and sport.

Fans want to be entertained before, during, and after the event. Fan engagement and innovation are important ingredients in the Sportainment cocktail. Our innovative approach to match day entertainment has been adopted by professional franchises in a number of sporting codes. University stadiums are packed with proud supporters and alumni – what better place to celebrate with your university mates whilst cheering on your team? There are no limits to where we can take Varsity Sports if we all work together, building this trampoline for talent.

duitser bosman

varsity sports CEO

Nothing can describe the feeling of attending one of the Varsity Sports tournaments, to witness the students embracing a product that isn’t just entertaining, but is making a real difference in their lives and the lives of their fellow students. To make this product a sustainable one, sponsors are

vital to Varsity Sports. Without their backing and loyalty, Varsity Sports would not have been possible. And the dreams of so many young students would never have become a reality. Varsity Sports has had a tangible impact on eight sports codes in just five years. From Olympic gold medallists to world record holders, Proteas cricketers and netball players, to Bafana Bafana stars – there is no doubt that Varsity Sports is changing lives. And that number is bound to multiply over the next five years.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

the past

years

in NUMBERs

CRICKET

ATHLETICS

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

EST. 2015

EST. 2013

8 teams

12 teams

MATCHES*

eventS*

LIVE BROADCASTS*

Viewership

56.70%

MEN’S

8 teams 31

woMEN’S

8 teams 18

8 teams 31

MATCHES*

LIVE BROADCASTS*

Viewership

69.34%

15.62%

30.01%

increase since 2015

increase since 2013

Stadium attendance

47% increase

8% increase

10% increase

35.48% increase

since 2015

since 2013

equipment upgrades

white and pink balls

athletics club kit

balls

cooler boxes

field training equipment

resistant jackets

batting & bowling equipment

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

cones

rubber bands

goal nets

foam rollers

player kit

netball poles

training poles

balls

conditioning equipment

upgraded medical kits

detachable football posts

INVESTED money

2013

R3 258 000

2016

R1 800 000 R1 200 000

R900 000

R720 000

R360 000 PRIZE MONEY

preparation fees

R558 000 R120 000 DONATION TOWARDS USSA

INVESTMENT IN UNIVERSITIES

HOCKEY

7s RUGBY

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

EST. 2013

EST. 2012

8 teams

10 teams

6 teams

MATCHES*

LIVE BROADCASTS*

Viewership

26.38%

54.44%

56.66%

increase since 2013

Stadium attendance

36% increase

54.55% increase

60% increase

since 2013

equipment upgrades

balls

detachable rugby posts

video analysis software

balls

nets poles balls

coaching board goalie kit practice balls

* based on 2016 / 2017 COMPETITION FORMATS ONLY.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

publicity

How has Varsity Sports

made an impact on sport

in South Africa?

CHARLES BALOYI Daily Sun

hat started as a pipeline dream is now taking shape and many people who are associated with the beautiful game are starting to buy into this lovely concept. Five years ago a beautiful initiative to develop South African and student football was created in the form of Varsity Football. Today it is one of the highlights on the South African football calendar. This popular tournament is going from strength to strength. It is growing at an alarming rate and its future, much like the talented footballers taking part, is bright. Varsity Sports is the perfect platform to launch careers. It’s a stepping stone for aspiring athletes to fulfil their childhood dreams. Varsity Sports is a feeder to SA’s various sporting codes. It is where dreams are realised not just on the field, but also at an academic and administrative level. Not everyone is destined to become a sportsperson; some are made for the boardroom. It brings people together in a variety of ways. It has brought a new culture to sport and has taught our athletes, who aspire to go far in their promising careers, to dare to dream. Varsity Sports is not just a concept, it is far more than that. It teaches athletes about the spirit of fair play – it’s not just about winning and losing, it’s also about building friendships and traveling to every corner of our magnificent country. The South African Rugby Union, the Premier Soccer League and Athletics South Africa are but a few of the federations to have benefitted from this

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

concept. They can attest that it has contributed immensely to our sport as new talent is unearthed every year. In Varsity Football, Thabo Mnyamane, who was discovered through this initiative, is living his dream of playing at the highest level. The 24-year-old, who was scouted at the North-West University in Mafikeng during the debut season of Varsity Football, has gone on to represent the senior national team Bafana Bafana, and it didn’t just end there – he scored an international goal on debut as well. On 24 June, Mnyamane won his first winners medal when SuperSport United defeated Orlando Pirates 4-1 to lift the Nedbank Cup Final at the magnificent Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Mnyamane, who is an ambassador of this excellent concept, became part of history in front of a sold-out crowd. Another success story of the Varsity Football concept is that of Jeremiah Nkwana, the free-kick specialist from the University of Pretoria. He is an ambassador of the Nedbank Cup Ke Yona concept. But his skills, distribution and talent were all nurtured in the Varsity Football tournament. Today he is reaping the rewards. Wayde Van Niekerk cut his athletics teeth running in the colours of Kovsies during Varsity Athletics meetings and look where he is today: he is up there with the greatest of all time; he is a global superstar. He can be mentioned in the same breath as Olympic icon Usain Bolt. Van Niekerk is a world 400m record holder with 43.03 seconds. Akani Simbine, the SA 100m record holder, is another man who we all first saw owning the stage in Varsity Athletics. Ruswahl Samaai is the

African long jump champion, but he soared over many a sandpit at Varsity Athletics before that title was his. It is probably impossible to demonstrate or quantify the impact that Varsity Sports has truly made to our sport. It has an important role to play in both the history and future of South African sport. The achievements of these international stars will inspire tomorrow’s stars to aim higher, dream bigger and push harder. This is not a temporary fixture on the calendar; Varsity Sports has cemented its spot in the sporting world and will only grow and build on an already firm foundation.

publicity

Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine’s friendship started at Varsity Sports. Today these two great South African athletes are best friends. They met at Varsity Athletics and developed a strong bond. For them it’s not just about the competition it’s also about the friendship off the track as well. I can talk about Varsity Sports and the impact it makes in South African sport until the cows come home. The bottom line is that it plays a major role in shaping athletes to become the best they can be on the international stage. But it also prepares them for life off of it. Akani Simbine the SA 100m record holder, is another athlete who has dominated his event since participating in Varsity Athletics and the likes of Ruswahl Samaai earned silver at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. In a nutshell I just wanted to demonstrate the impact that Varsity Sports has made to our sport. It is an important tool and deserves its place in the SA sports hall of fame.

“Varsity Sports provides a platform for talented sportsmen and sportswomen, who haven’t necessarily received the opportunity to maximise their talent after school. It allows them to be seen, to pursue sport as a career, and to display their talents to the world, fearlessly.” tinus van staden Netwerk24

From left: Robert Marawa – Top sports broadcaster in South Africa, Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi – Varsity Football Manager, Dennis Mumble – SAFA CEO and Mark Tommy – Secretary-General of USSA Football

NWU Netball team crowned Varsity Netball champions for a second year in a row in 2016.

Natalie Esteves from UP-Tuks accepts the Mugg & Bean Star Save of the Match award during the 2017 Varsity Hockey final.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

coaching

THE rise of sa sport’s

unsung heroes

– coaches

here is a desire to learn, a hunger to succeed, and a willingness to put in the blood, sweat and tears to be the best, but South African sport has long lacked the platform for young athletes to pursue their dreams. Until now.

University of Johannesburg hockey coach, Garreth Ewing. “It helps them make the step up to full international level.”

In 2012 an idea that had evolved into a dream, materialised into an opportunity that would change South African sport forever. Varsity Sports launched, with beach volleyball and sevens rugby. The foundation had been laid. Five years on and Varsity Sports has launched six more sports codes and the opportunities are unmeasurable.

Fellow hockey coach, Inky Zondi, who coached the Tuks women’s hockey team to the 2017 Varsity Hockey title, echoed Ewing’s words, adding that Varsity Hockey has increased the overall competitive level of university hockey since inception.

With eight tournaments in 2016 – including cricket, athletics, hockey, football, netball, rugby sevens, beach volleyball and mountain biking – doors have been opened for hundreds of students to pursue both their sporting and academic dreams.

Ewing, who coached professionally in the United States of America for a number of years, would be familiar with the Varsity Sports model, which draws inspiration from the US and their college sports structures and innovations.

“The professional approach towards preparation for the tournament is evident for all to see,” said Zondi. “The nature of the tournament also makes the athletes feel professional because of how they are treated.” Varsity Sports has seen member universities investing more in infrastructure and coaching, while scouting the best talent in the country. In 2017, the University of Pretoria (UPTuks) once again showed the country how the investment paid off by dominating athletics, rugby, football, netball and hockey. The university also receives a significant amount of marketing, publicity and exposure through all Varsity Sports’ platforms, from print media and street pole posters, to live TV coverage on SuperSport and social media reach.

None of this would be possible without the training and assistance of coaches, who in turn, have also benefitted from the development of facilities and opportunity to be involved in semiprofessional tournaments such as Varsity Sports. In 2017, both the South African netball and women’s hockey teams consisted in bulk, of current and former Varsity Netball and Varsity Hockey players. And their coaches were confident that this was no fluke. “Varsity Sports has created a visible platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete against other top teams in a high-stakes environment,” said national and

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

Since 2012, 37 new coaches and a further 40 additional coaching staff across seven sporting codes were hired at the different member universities directly as a result of Varsity Sports.

The resultant and further investment has allowed coaches to spend more time with their players, include specialist conditioning and rehabilitation, and purchase new equipment. Additionally, existing coaches have been able to upgrade their qualifications, while specialist coaches have also been added to universities’ staff. Varsity Sports has given a number of sports codes new life and prepares student athletes for the next level of their professional careers. Wayde van Niekerk, current Olympic 400m champion and world record holder, participated at the Varsity Athletics circuit for three years before becoming a household name under the coaching of Ans Botha, affectionately known as Tannie Ans. Akani Simbine, a Tuks student and athlete, put South African sprinting back on the world map, when he came within milliseconds of his 100m counterparts at the 2016 Olympic Games, showing the world what South Africa is capable of with a little support, better infrastructure, improved tournaments, and quality coaching. In 2016, at the Olympic Games, we saw Wayde van Niekerk smash a longstanding 400m world record, if you glanced over to the stands you’d have seen his coach, Tannie Ans. But if you could rewind two or three years back, you would have seen a zealous young student studying in the Free State, while his raw talent was being nurtured by a passionate coach, on the Varsity Athletics track. Both only needing a platform – Van Niekerk’s true starting block – Varsity Sports.

coaching

the impact varsity sports has had oN

coaching structures and development

37 13

football

cricket

new coaches were hired

netball Athletics

7s rugby

hockey

additional coaching staff were hired

football netball Athletics

beach volleyball

cricket

the total investment was distributed as follows 1

BOUGHT equipment TO ASSIST COACHING

HOSTED WARM-UP MATCHES

HIRED SPECIALIST COACHES

UPGRADE CURRENT COACHES’ QUALIFICATIONS

INCLUDED specialIST CONDITIONING AND REHABILITATION

COACHES COULD speND MORE TIME WITH PLAYERS

7s rugby

hockey

1 beach volleyball

23%

of the total investment was used to increase the coaches’ salaries which added to job satisfaction

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

ATHLETES

laying a foundation You’ve seen the stars light up the track and field, cameras flashing and autographs being signed, as sports careers are launched into orbit. What you don’t see are the hundreds of athletes in the shadows, fighting injury and ultimately fighting to get a foothold as reality all too quickly catches up to them. It’s why education is more important than sport. Why studying isn’t just encouraged by Varsity Sports; it is a requirement – a passport to participation. To those who have the talent, but lack the financial support, the necessary coaching and the platform to showcase their talent – Varsity Sports has endeavoured to contribute to bursaries, improve coaching structures and create the platform for these young athletes to be noticed. “In the past five years we have seen a significant increase in the number of coaching staff, support services and bursaries on offer at the Varsity Sports member universities,” said USC CEO, Flip van Zyl. “There’s been a 69% increase in support services, 53 bursaries have been awarded and over R1 million has gone towards kit, recovery foods, supplements, strapping, meals and other important elements of training directly as result of Varsity Sports.” National athletes such as Caster Semenya, Wayde van Niekerk, Lungi Ngidi, Karla Mostert, Ignatius Malgraff, Thabo Mnyamane and Luvo Manyonga have all graced Varsity Sports tournaments and benefitted from the platform and foundation.

“Varsity Sports is not only the breeding ground of our future champions, but also gives a great opportunity and exposure to our current champions,”

beyond the field Even in the name, ‘Varsity’ comes before ‘Sports’ and that will never change. And thankfully, while a handful of professional athletes will earn medals and progress to the next stage of their sports careers each year, a much larger number will earn degrees and equip themselves for life outside of sport.

THE number of bursaries awarded based on university participation in Varsity Sports over the past five years

53 A TOTAL OF

football bursaries

bursaries have been awarded to

netball

student-athletes in addition to the existing bursary allocation

of THE total bursaries were awarded at high school level – enabling 17 students to pursue both academic and sport satisfaction.

bursaries

7s rugby bursaries

hockey

bursaries

athletics bursaries

cricket

bursaries

Over 1 million rand invested towards bursaries

said Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya, who took part in multiple Varsity Athletics TOURNAMENTS. But just as significantly, the thousands of names you won’t recognise – those who have taken part in Varsity Sports events and not progressed to professional sports careers – have earned degrees. They are equipped for life after sport. “We always emphasise that it’s academics first, sport second,” said Francois Pienaar. “It’s why we brought in the 60-credit rule, whereby each participant in a Varsity Sports event must have achieved a minimum of 60 credits in their previous year of studies. “As much as we want to help unearth the next Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya of South Africa, we also want to ensure that athletes and students in our country are equipping themselves with an education and a degree. Whether they play for South Africa for 10 years or play for their university for one – we want them to be thinking about life after sport and have minds as fit as their bodies.”

Bursary holders were assisted above and beyond, WITH a total of

R2.6

million invested

in additional support for student-athletes as well as teams, including:

• Top up meals and drinks • Additional accommodation • Team kit • Recovery foods • Medical supplies • Additional transportation

• Warm-up kits • Hosting teams meals • Medical emergencies

• Additional food, transport and accommodation

• Strapping and supplements VARSITY SPORTS 2017

VARSITY SPORTS

Rising Stars for the champions of tomorrow, the journey starts here photography: luigi bennett

Shadine van der Merwe Tuks Netball Goal Keeper Highest honours:

Proteas netball team

Ruan Mostert UWC 7s Rugby Centre Highest honours:

Western Province sevens team

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

GIFT leotlela Tuks Athletics 400m hurdles Highest honours:

Team SA at 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games

TAMLYN THOMAS UWC Beach Volleyball Middle Blocker Highest honours:

Under-21 South African Beach Volleyball team

BEJANCKE DELLA UWC Beach Volleyball Outside Hitter Highest honours:

SA Junior Beach Volleyball team VARSITY SPORTS 2017

puleng moremi UWC Football Midfielder Highest honours:

South African Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Under-20 team

Rikenette Steenkamp Tuks Athletics 100m hurdles Highest honours:

Gold at 2014 African Championships

Kgomotso Mashilwane TUT Football Striker Highest honours:

Varsity Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football champion (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) VARSITY SPORTS 2017

LJ van Zyl Tuks Athletics 400m hurdles Highest honours:

Team SA at 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games

Keenan Horne Maties Hockey Striker Highest honours:

SA menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hockey team

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

Tarryn Glasby Maties Hockey Striker Highest honours:

SA womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hockey team

STEPHANIE BRANDT NETBALL Maties

Themba Ndlovu TUT Football

Anuscha Nice

Striker

Tuks

Highest honours:

Athletics 400m, 800m, 1500m Highest honours:

Third in 800m at SA National Championships 2017

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

2017 Varsity Football Player of the Tournament

Lizerie Ferreira Tuks Athletics 1500m Highest honours:

SA Under-19 1500m Champion

Stephanie Brandt Maties Netball Goal Defence Highest honours:

SA U21 netball team

Verno Treu UWC 7s Rugby Centre Highest honours:

WP Club Rugby All Star team

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

ATHLETES

OLYMPIANS, STARS

and top athletes THAT PARTICIPATED IN VARSITY SPORTS

CASTER SEMENYA 800m 2013 – 2016 NWU Gold medal winner at Rio 2016

Justine Palframan Sprinter 200 & 400m 2013 – 2017 Maties 400m Gold Medal Winner 2015 World Student Games

STEPHEN MOKOKA Long distance 10 000m 2013 – 2016 TUT TEAM SA 2016 Olympic Games 10 000m Gold Medal Winner 2016 African Championships

Elroy GElant Long distance runner 2013 – 2015 NWU 5 000m SA RECORD HOLDER

RuswaHl Samaai Long Jump 2013 – 2016 UJ Bronze Medal Winner 2017 IAAF World Championships

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

LE ROUX HAMMAN 400m hurdles 2014 – 2015 Tuks Team SA 2016 Olympic Games

henricho bruintjies Sprinter 100 & 200m 2014 – 2016 Tuks Team SA 2016 Olympic Games

ATHLETES

ATHLETICS Akani Simbine Sprinter 100m 2013 – 2016 Tuks 100m SA RECORD HOLDER

WAYDE VAN NIEKERK Sprinter 200m & 400m 2013 – 2015 Kovsies 400m world record holder 200m Gold medal winner at Rio 2016

ANASO Jobodwana Sprinter 200m 2014 – 2017 Tuks 200m Bronze Medal winner 2015 IAAF World Championships

Rynhardt van Rensburg 800m 2014 – 2017 Kovsies

LJ van zyl 400m hurdles 2013 – 2015 Tuks 200m & 400m HURDLES SA RECORD HOLDER

lynique prinsloo Long Jump 2013 – 2016 UJ Five Time National Long Jump Champion

600m SA RECORD HOLDER

Coach

Terseus Liebenberg Javelin coach NWU Coached Sunette Viljoen to Olympic Silver medal in 2016

lindsay hanekom 400m hurdles 2016 – 2017 Tuks Team SA 2016 Olympic Games

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

ATHLETES

Women’s hockey Coach

Jade Mayne 2013 UCT

ALL athletes HAVE REPRESENTED South Africa

Nicole La Fleur 2013 | 2015 | 2017 Varsity Hockey Goalkeeper of the tournament 2017 Maties

JETHRO EUSTICE Women’s coach Varsity Hockey 2017 UKZN

Nicolene Terblanche 2015 | 2017 Assistant coach and Club manager Tuks Phumelela Mbande 2013 | 2015 Tuks

Stephanie Baxter 2013 | 2015 NWU

Ilse Davids 2013 Maties 2015 team manager

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

Quanita Bobbs 2013 | 2015 Maties

Sulette Damons 2013 | 2015 player 2017 Assistant coach NWU

Lisa Deetlefs 2017 Assistant coach UJ

Line Malan 2013 | 2015 Kovsies

Carmen Smith 2015 UJ

Nicole Walraven 2013 | 2015 Kovsies

Marizen Marais 2015 UJ

Heather McEwan 2017 Maties

Erin Hunter 2015 Maties

Lilian du Plessis 2013 | 2015 UJ

Marelize van Tonder 2017 Tuks

Izelle Verster 2013 | 2015 | 2017 Tuks

Tarryn Glasby 2015 | 2017 Maties

Celia Evans 2013 | 2015 NWU

Bernadette Coston 2013 UJ

ATHLETES

men’s hockey

cricket

Alex Stewart 2016 Maties

ALL athletes HAVE REPRESENTED South Africa

Charlie Bowren 2014 Maties Matthew de Sousa 2014 Maties

Ignatius Malgraff 2014 | 2016 Madibaz

lungi ngidi 2015 – 2016 Tuks SA t20 cricket player

Dylan Swanepoel 2014 Maties brandon panther 2014 UJ

Rob McKinley 2016 Maties

Daniel Bell 2014 Maties

Tyson Dlungwana 2016 UJ

AIDEN MARKrAM 2015 – 2016 Tuks SA ODI and Test cricket player

Matt Guise-Brown 2014 Tuks Richard Pautz 2014 | 2016 Tuks Ryan Crowe 2016 UJ

Tevin Kok 2016 Tuks

Coach SHELDON ROSTRON Varsity Hockey 2017 NWU

Keenan Horne 2016 Maties

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

ATHLETES

7S RUGBY Braam Venter 2015 Maties Varsity Cup player

NETBALL ALL athletes HAVE REPRESENTED South Africa

Renske Stoltz 2013 – 2016 NWU and Tuks

Vanes-Mari du Toit 2014 Tuks

Mampho Tsotsetsi 2013 Madibaz

Zanele Vimbela 2013 – 2014 Madibaz

Melissa Kotze 2013 – 2016 Tuks

Karla Mostert 2013 – 2015 Kovsies

Nadia Uys 2014 NWU

Adéle Niemand 2013 Kovsies

Kyle Steyn 2016 Maties Griquas Currie Cup

Juline Rossouw 2013 – 2016 Maties

Jeanie Steyn 2013 – 2014 Tuks

Sigi Burger 2015 – 2016 NWU

Paul De Wet 2016 Maties WP u21

Kifiloe Tsotetsi 2013 – 2016 NWU

Craig BarrY 2015 Maties WP Currie Cup

Lenize Potgieter 2013 – 2016 UJ and Tuks

Elsunet du Plessis 2013 NWU

Josh Bassingthwaite 2012 – 2014 Maties WP Sevens and Blitzboks group in 2015

Nonhle Gwavu 2013 Madibaz

James Murphy 2016 Maties WP sevens

ruan Mostert 2013 – 2016 UWC WP Sevens

Shadine van der Merwe 2013 – 2016 Tuks

Ronald Brown 2016 Maties Lions u21

Josh Moon 2016 Maties WP Sevens

Lindie Lombard 2014 Tuks

Lauren-Lee Christians 2013 – 2015 Kovsies

Izette Lubbe 2013 – 2016 Tuks

Maryka Holtzhausen 2013 Kovsies

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

ATHLETES

Women’s FOOTBALL

Dumisani Msibi 2016 TUT SUPERSPORT UNITED CAPE TOWN ALL STARS

ALL ATHLETES represented BANYANA BANYANA (SA NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM)

men’s FOOTBALL AMOGELANG MOTAU 2016 UWC

neo makua 2013 – 2016 Wits AJAX CAPE TOWN SHANE APRIL 2013 NWU bloemfontein celtic Xola Mlambo 2013 NWU BIDVEST WITS

ALL ATHLETES represented tuks in the national first division team Tiago Da Serra 2016 Tuks

Jeremiah Nkwana 2014 – 2017 Tuks

MARRY NTSWENG 2014 TUT LEBOGANG RAKHUDUWE 2014 – 2016 TUT THEMBI KGATLANA 2015 – 2016 UWC Mohau Khwinana 2014 – 2017 Tuks

Thabo mnyamane 2016 NWU to Tuks bafana bafana (SA NATIONAL MEN’S TEAM) SUPERSPORT UNITED

Thabo Ndlovu 2014 – 2015 Tuks

Claudio De Almeida 2015 – 2017 Tuks Lebogang Ngubeni 2014 Tuks Tristyn Coetsee 2013 – 2016 Tuks

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

sport development on campus

strengthening our structures here is only a certain distance that raw talent can carry an athlete. Without the platform to showcase that, the coaching to refine it and the structures to practice and perform, it would just remain unfulfilled potential.

There have been far too many athletes gifted with all the attributes and makings of professional sportsmen or sportswomen, but lacking the resources needed to hone their skills and realise their full potential. Universities have provided fantastic support, equipment and coaching to student athletes for a number of years. Further financial support and a public platform was needed. Fortunately, this is where Varsity Sports has been able to serve as a catalyst in unlocking potential. Since 2012, through the funding given to the member universities, Varsity Sports has enabled universities to invest in sports psychology services, conduct more frequent scientific sport testing, which has reduced injuries and introduced a higher number of specialist sports positions. Varsity Sports has allowed for teams to better prepare for tournaments through specialised training and fostering a high performance culture. There were also major investments in equipment at the member universities, allowing athletes to use the correct tools to their benefit. Varsity Sports aims to create sustainable and improved facilities as one of the many ways a lasting legacy will be created.

Elliot Fana, Head of Rugby at the University of Fort Hare, is a pillar in the Eastern Cape tertiary institution sports department. The former Border Director of Rugby believes the support that the university has received by being involved in Varsity Sports, has allowed the University of Fort Hare Sports Department to progress and grow. “In terms of benefits, Varsity Sports has added to almost every

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

element of our sports development,” says Fana. “We are limping when it comes to financial resources, so the investment that Varsity Sports is making with regards to our clothing has given our students and these clubs in our village leagues a major morale boost. Our coaches are all professional, and this is because of the level of growth we found being part of such an amazing organisation.

“Varsity Sports develops students as a whole. There are rules that even I was critical of in the beginning, but when one looks back now we find that this has helped these students to not only attend university to play sports but to actually obtain a qualification.” South Africa’s young students have the ability to excel. Their talent often remains dormant, but by equipping them with the tools, equipment and facilities needed to develop, the county is already beginning to see an awakening of sorts. South African athletes are rising to compete with the world’s best, as Varsity Sports places the necessary tools in their capable hands.

sport development on campus

“Varsity Sports has delivered in its commitment to the development of student sport by creating sustainable high-level tournaments. They have led by example and inspired.” tertius liebenberg – NWU

We must always have the attitude to enter with positive intent, in all spheres of life. For me this is relevant to Varsity Sports, a competition that provides us the platform to thrive within the higher education sport environment at a different level. The intent was positive since the beginning, and now this competition has most certainly changed the business of sport, not just for Stellenbosch University as a public higher education institution, but for South Africa. This for me is the most important return on investment (ROI), when what we invest, benefits our beautiful country. Ilhaam Groenewald Stellenbosch University Director of Sports Administration

“Our participation in Varsity Sports and USC has given us THE opportunity to showcase our students’ talent in the national spectrum. It has also forced us to constantly look at better ways of managing sport and enhancing our athletes’ performance. All these efforts have ultimately led to sport being recognised as a very important marketing tool by the university.” mandla GAGAYI University of the Western Cape Director of Sports Administration

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

sport development on campus

A BRAND ADOPTED BY THE

community Varsity Sports has grown into a brand synonymous with packed stadiums and arenas. While national and provincial sports tournaments have seen a decline in fan attendances, Varsity Sports has consistently filled seats. Varsity Football pulls in larger crowds than most Premier Soccer League franchises. But rest assured that when you see Davidson Stadium in the Eastern Cape filled to the rafters, or the University of Free Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s netball hall lined with supporters, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only students. Varsity Sports events are attracting a far wider audience than just the university-goers. Each participating university takes ownership of the entire process of hosting an event. In conjunction with and supported by Varsity Sports, they orchestrate the full match day experience. From the national anthem, to the cheerleaders, the facilities to the support staff, the universities take great pride in hosting these entertaining events, and this has naturally spilled over into the community. A significant financial investment has been made in

Empowerment is high up on the priority list for Varsity Sports, which led to involving communities in and around the universities. Whether it is on-field entertainment, or locals coming out to support the university â&#x20AC;&#x201C; events draw in members of the community far and wide. And in turn, the teams, staff and players give back to their communities. Supporting local shelters, schools and causes is something seen across the country. Mending buildings, planting vegetables, and donating funds are but some of the ways the student athletes are giving back. The faces of young children playing with their local heroes is a heartwarming reminder of the power sport possesses.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

communities surrounding universities as a result of Varsity Sports. Recruitment programmes have been introduced at schools and coaching clinics are now being held in underprivileged communities. Shelter and orphanage visits have become a regular event for teams, who have begun to build relationships with foundations and organisations doing incredible work.

sport development on campus

Diversity is one of the key elements within Varsity Sports and it brings people from different walks of life together.

The shelter visits are the most interesting thing that has

Varsity Sports is a major event on nearly every

may be a university logo stitched onto the playing kits of

Potchefstroom student's calendar. Hendrik Truter, Marketing Executive for North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus, explains that from day one, students are eager to be involved in Varsity Sports events in some way or form.

been added to what we do, because it has grown the awareness of the university in communities that have never known about us." In sports, rules are never meant to be broken, but boundaries are, and that is precisely what is happening in communities surrounding participating universities. There the teams, but these are events being stitched into the hearts of entire communities, worn long after the final whistle.

"Varsity Sports events are very popular among students and nearly every student in town can be seen attending their tournaments,” said Truter. “Filling up stadiums helps the university to generate more revenue which can in turn be used to improve facilities." Walter Sisulu University are one of the more recent members to join the Varsity Sports fraternity, and Bongo Nontshinga who is the Head of Sport at the university, describes the impact of Varsity Sports as "massive". "Students want to be part of Varsity Sports,” says Nontshinga. “They want to participate in competitive sports and Varsity Sports offers them just this. Schools and the community follow the university and are very interested in what is happening at the university.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

sport development on campus

the impact of varsity sports on

upgrading of facilities at university level

SPORT science SUPPORT SERVICES across seven sports codes

were improved this includes

football DEPARTMENTS

athletics

hockey

DEPARTMENTS

netball

DEPARTMENTS

7s rugby

cricket

DEPARTMENTS

beach volleyball DEPARTMENTS

69% 1 4

Purchase more equipment

monEY received by the universities over the last five years allowed universities to:

Frequent testing of players

Upgrade facilities and lighting

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

Invest in sport psychology services

Provide more specialised injury management

Purchase new club kits

Look after teams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; injuries kept to a minimum Consult with doctors and specialists pre and post tournaments Send current coaches to courses and workshops

increase of

STADIUM ATTENDANCE ACROSS UNIVERSITIES

Cricket

ATHLETICS

increase

HOCKEY

FOOTBALL

increase

NETBALL

7s RUGBY

increase

47 %

since 2015

36%

since 2013

10%

since 2013

55%

35% since 2013

since 2012

beach volleyball

60% increase since 2012

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

innovation

bending the rules

for growth

nown for its innovative approach. When spectators arrive at a Varsity Sports event they don’t expect to stay seated for long; Varsity Sports is synonymous with excitement and entertainment. Varsity Sports has been a forerunner in innovation in various sporting codes. One of the ways of encouraging the growth and development of specific sports codes as a whole, has been through the introduction of new rules or amendments to existing ones.

Rules govern every sport and each player has to compete within this framework of law. But as with most laws, they need to evolve and adapt as the sport does. We’ve seen sports follow America’s model of entertaining fans – towards more entertainment-centric match days. Spectators want entertainment and excitement, something one of Varsity Sports’ founders, Francois Pienaar, calls Sportainment.

Varsity Sports has become a platform that the sporting world looks to for rule changes and innovation. Where sport evolves. The Power Play has become a popular property in Varsity Sports codes, as Varsity Cricket, Varsity 7s, Varsity Beach Volleyball, Varsity Netball and Varsity Hockey all allow for double points to be scored during a short period of the match. Each team is awarded a single Power Play to be utilised in every match. This is to encourage attacking play, by rewarding teams for positive play, which also makes for entertaining viewing. Legendary South African hockey umpire John Wright believes that Varsity Sports is an “ideal platform to experiment with rules”. He officiated the men’s hockey final at the 2016 Rio Olympic games. He is also the president of the Northerns Cricket Union and feels that both

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

Varsity Hockey and Varsity Cricket have significantly grown the sport at the right level of both development and excitement. “Too many sports in South Africa have become unattractive, and uninteresting for spectators to watch,” says Wright. “Spectators want to see action, goals, tries and points. Varsity Sports gives us the opportunity to try and develop rules that will complement that.” Wright, who has been to five Olympic games and umpired in two finals including Rio and London,

believes that Varsity Sports has found the right formula to keep the turnstiles ticking while not compromising on the quality of the sport. “I don’t think the impact will necessarily be seen just from the emergence of players, but rather in making the games more attractive and exciting for both players and spectators alike. Added to this is the TV market that must be entertained. I definitely don’t think the implementation of new rules has had any effect on the quality of the specific sports. “I do think it has given both sides competing an opportunity to be ‘in the game’ right until the end. Furthermore, it gives sides who may deem themselves to be lesser opponents the ability to stay

innovation

competitive. I find that in many sports the so called ‘die-hards’ are losing interest, and this is a way to brighten up and revitalise the games. Wright maintains that both codes (cricket and hockey) will soon implement innovations and rules at the highest levels, following in Varsity Sports’ footsteps. “I think in particular, Varsity Cricket’s Power Play Plus over and hockey’s Power Play with two points [being awarded] for field goals, will be implemented in some other higher forms of the game in the not too distant future. Sport worldwide is losing its pull and the support that it once enjoyed in the past. Hence, we need to be creative without going too far. The student market suits this kind of an approach.” Head of technical officials for Netball South Africa, Maggie du Plessis, believes the Varsity Netball innovations allow coaches to use the Power Play as part of their game plan. Du Plessis says that the overall exposure of the sport allowed players, coaches and officials to improve their skills and harness the growth using the platform that Varsity Netball has provided. “A specific strategy has to be followed and agreed to beforehand once a Power Play is called,” says du Plessis. “The excellence in sports science and development of umpires and players, who must adhere to certain rules, leads to the overall enhancing of the game. It certainly is a challenge for umpires to react to and this adds entertainment to the game.”

“These [new rules and innovations] are adding excellence, fun, skill, decisionmaking and beauty to the game of netball. The overall response, in my regard, is overwhelmingly positive.” In an ever-changing world of sports, Varsity Sports is aiming to be one step ahead of the game, not just bending the rules, but making them.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017

USSA STAMP OF APPROVAL

LOUIS NEL

USSA Secretary General

TAKING SOUTH AFRICAN SPORT

to the next level

ince the University Sport Company came on board with the Varsity Sports programmes it has raised the profile of student sport in South Africa, created greater awareness of the role that university sport is playing in high performance sport in South Africa and there is a greater enthusiasm from the students to participate in our USSA tournaments in order to qualify for the Varsity Sports events. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a major incentive as athletes have the opportunity to perform on live TV. Although the standard of the competition is high, there is a lot of entertainment, which the students really enjoy. They get to travel the country, everything is paid for them, and those things make it attractive for the students to participate in these events. But I think overall it has created a greater awareness around the role that university sport is playing in South Africa and it has really enhanced USSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile as well.

USC have also contributed generously to allow our students the opportunity to travel to and compete at the World Student Games. Doing that shows that the University Sport Company sees the role that university sports plays in South Africa in the bigger context of international university sport. And when athletes eventually perform in these high performance Varsity Sports events there must be something for them to aspire to after that, and the World Student Games is the biggest stage in the world for any university athlete to compete at.

So we are really grateful for the funding that we received from the University Sport Company. The athletes appreciate that tremendously and I think that this relationship between the USC, USSA and Varsity Sports can really take South Africa forward in terms of high performance sport.

Member Universities There are 24 universities registered with the USC, who become Member Universities that can qualify for participation in Varsity Sports events.

VARSITY SPORTS 2017