The CPUT men's table tennis team achieved remarkable success at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Table Tennis Championships, winning two gold medals. After five days of intense competition at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville Campus, the team showcased outstanding sportsmanship and commitment.

The USSA Table Tennis Championships, held annually, aim to identify South Africa's best student players across various categories. This year's edition saw a total of 12 tertiary institutions competing. CPUT hosted the championships after a successful event the previous year in Bloemfontein. The tournament also serves as a platform for players to be selected for international competitions.

The men's team made it to the medal playoffs in all tournament categories, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team competition. The women's team qualified for three out of the five medal playoffs.

Mohamed Ally, a Sports Development Officer, commented on the team's performance, highlighting the growing talent and dedication within the university’s sports programme. "This year's tournament was highly contested, with players displaying exceptional skill and close competition, featuring major upsets and a new wave of emerging talent in both the men's and women's events."

The CPUT team secured two gold medals in the men's team event and men's doubles, along with three silver medals in mixed doubles, women's doubles, and men's singles. The men's team, consisting of Scelo Mkhetho, Ntuthuzelo Lusithi, and Everard Isaacs, won gold in the team event, while Ntuthuzelo and Everard claimed a second gold in the men's doubles.

In the women's division, Anande Kuse and Zizipho Ntlali earned silver in the women's doubles. The mixed doubles pair of Anande and Everard also finished with silver, while Ntuthuzelo took silver in the men's singles final.

As the tournament convenor, Ally expressed satisfaction with the event's execution. "The CPUT community came together once again to demonstrate our excellent organisational skills and hospitality. The volunteer support from other departments and the overall impression CPUT sports made on our guests was fantastic, and we all enjoyed top-quality table tennis."

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT will host one of the most prestigious university cycling challenges soon.

South Africa’s top young cyclists are set to descend on the picturesque town of Wellington where they will compete in one of the country’s top cycling events.

The University Sports South African National Cycling Tournament attracts more than 250 cyclists from across the country.

Lecturer and event organizer, Etienne Joubert says playing host to the event is a huge honour.

Taking place from 2-6 July, Joubert said cycling is one of the fastest-growing sports at universities.

This year alone, the CPUT cycling team has doubled, while a number of other universities have reported a huge increase in riders.

“Cycling at South African universities is a serious sport. There is a misconception that it is just for fun, but these cyclists are pro-riders. They are serious about what they are doing,” says Joubert.

During the five-day event, the cyclists will compete in several road and mountain challenges in and around Wellington.

The first day will test cyclists’ endurance as they take to the hills of Wellington. The remainder of the week will see cyclists compete in lap challenges in the streets of the picturesque town. The final day will test climbing skills, as students take on a route along the Taal Monument, situated high above Paarl.

Wellington campus Sports Development Officer, Tyrone Africa, said the local organizing committee which is made up of CPUT staff members from various departments, is already hard at work.

From organizing on-site pamper treatments for tired cyclists to bicycle washing stations, participants can expect an unforgettable week at the Wellington Campus.

By CANDES KEATING

Written by CPUT News
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There are no shortcuts to success in the sporting world.

“For those females who would like to make sport their career, know that talent alone is not enough, you have to put in the extra work (training) to get even better,” says Shela Lekalakala, a Sports Development Officer in the Department of Student Affairs.

Lekalakala’s words of advice stem from her own experience in the sports world, having been an active member of the national netball community since her university days when she first started playing at provincial level for the under 19 team.

Her natural talent on the court saw her being awarded coveted sports opportunities, from representing South African at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland to participating at the World Student Games in Russia and South Korea.

After enjoying a successful career as a netball player, Lekalakala is now using her experience to drive the development of netball at CPUT as well as in the rest of the country.

“I love using sports to contribute positively to the lives of young people,” says Lekalakala.

In the past few years she has managed to grow the CPUT netball team, and under her leadership they have experienced a winning streak, having clinched the top title in the premier section three times in a row.

Several of the netball players coached by her have also been selected in provincial teams, while another has secured a coveted spot in the under 21 team that will compete at the national netball championships.

Apart from coaching the CPUT team, Lekalakala has coached Team SA as well as the Spar Netball team. She has also held post in various sports structures, such as the Vice President of Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation, Vice President Western Province Netball and Treasurer University Sports South Africa Football.

Lekalakala has no regrets when it comes to her career choice.

“My main reason for choosing sport as a career was because it is a dynamic area. Your day is never the same. Things evolve all the time and as a sport administrator, you must always keep up with the changes.”

Lekalakala says females who would like to become involved in the management side of sport, must get involved with the sport they have an interest in as well as volunteer their services.

Written by Candes Keating
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