FNB CPUT on solid path to reaching the playoffs!
The FNB CPUT players demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, ultimately earning a well-deserved 49-24 victory against FNB UKZN in round four of the FNB Varsity Shield at the CPUT Sports Stadium on Bellville Campus on Friday night. It was a hard-fought contest, and their effort truly reflects their passion for the game.
After the recent victory, FNB CPUT Coach Alastair Theys expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the team's journey so far. Reflecting on the challenging start from last year, where they faced losses in their first four games, he shared that this season has truly felt like a dream beginning. The players have poured their hearts into these initial matches, striving to improve week by week with the hope of reaching the playoffs.
Coach Theys highlighted that the team's hard work culminated in a standout performance on Friday. He also extended his gratitude to the passionate supporters from the CPUT community and fellow students, acknowledging how their presence felt like having a 16th player on the field. He said the supporters’ encouragement means so much to the team and helps boost their spirits as they continue to grow and aim for success.
“Such has been the dream start of the tournament; the guys have put a lot of effort in the first four games. All we are doing so far; we are trying to improve just to make sure that we improve week by week so that we can achieve our goal of trying to make it to the playoffs.”
In an exciting match, FNB CPUT managed to establish a strong lead over FNB UKZN, going into halftime with a score of 35-10. It's clear that both teams gave it their all, and while the score might reflect a challenging situation for UKZN, the spirit of competition remained strong.
The coach said that it was heartening to see all the hard work the team has been putting into their training come together in such a significant way, resulting in a truly outstanding performance. “I think the big thing for us was that we have told ourselves that we are really going to care for what we are doing, we are going to take care of each other on and off the field and how we do things. And we are going to commit ourselves to the cause, and we are going to create a competitive environment. Everybody must improve; everybody is held accountable.”
He continued: “Our guys have become more mature in the sense in the last couple of months which is a big plus for student athletes.”
In a commendable display of effort, FNB CPUT saw tries scored by Nkosephayo Ngema, Denley Adams (with two impressive tries), Oyintando Maseti (also with two), and Keewan Titus. Their determination truly shone through the match. On the other hand, the Kwazulu-Natal outfit matched their spirit with tries from Tinotenda Mazhindu, Singele Mkhize, and Siso France. Special recognition goes to Oyintando Maseti from FNB CPUT, who was honoured as the FNB Player That Rocks, celebrating his outstanding contribution to the game.
Sports, Arts and Culture achievers awarded
The winners of the Sports, Arts and Culture Awards were announced during a glittering ceremony recently held at the Auditorium, Bellville Campus.
The guest speaker at the event, which was presented by the Division of Student Affairs’ Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, was Banyana Banyana coach and CPUT Honorary Doctorate recipient, Dr Desiree Ellis.
In her opening remarks, Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, congratulated all the finalists and said it was a privilege to acknowledge “the achievements of our brilliant students”.
Ellis encouraged students to “know your worth and know your value”.
“It doesn’t matter what anyone else says about you. Know your worth – know who you are and where you’re going to.”
The winners were:
Visual Artist of the Year - Alane Khoza
Performing Artist of the Year – Lilitha Hiliza
Arts and Culture Administrator of The Year - Tumisang Matlala: Cheerleading/Dance; Thandokuhle Mbatha: Music and Afika Manjati: Poetry
Most-Well Developed Arts and Culture Society - Titans: CPUT Cheerleaders and CPUT Choir
Honours Awards – Arts and Culture (awarded to arts and culture students who have achieved at the highest level nationally and internationally) - Thandekile Ndlovu: Debate; Wongalethu Huwule: Choir and Phumla Mabena: Drama
Best Student Administrator of The Year For Sport - Shelyn Kennedy: Rugby; Simamkele Sobuza: Football; Anathi Mashiqa:Men’s netball; Hallington Mufunwaini: Boxing; Liqhawe Pepeta: Table Tennis; Zimkitha Cuku: Softball; Wendy Mphoswa: Handball; Sibongiseni Matshipi Cricket; Kamohelo Sibanda: Basketball and Sarah Mawelela: Student Sports Council
Full Colours (Awarded to an exceptional first team member who has represented one of, or the equivalent of, the following or meets the club’s criteria as approved by the Sports Awards Colours Committee: Provincial Senior ‘A’ Team, National U21 ‘A’ Team, National Student Team)
Athletics: Jordan Burgess; Athletics: Ubayd Samuels: Athletics; Asakhe Masebeni: Men’s football: Zakhele Msimango:Men’s netball; Ziyanda Mwezo Netball; Anande Kuse; Table tennis: Everard Isaacs: Table tennis and Ntuthuzelo Lusithi: Table Tennis
Honours Awards – (This award is generally made only to those who have been selected for South African national senior teams. Clubs are expected to present a very thorough motivation for the award)
Oyisa Gxekani: Boxing; Lwazi Selepi : Chess and Zakhele Msimango: Men’s netball
Best First-Year – Jordan Burgess: Athletics
Team of the Year - Ladies Football
Sportswoman of the Year - Anande Kuse: Table tennis
Sportsman of the year – Nthuthuzelo Lusithi: Table tennis
Student golf development gains momentum
With an immense mission to stimulate golf penchant amongst the CPUT community, the Sport Department held a Staff and Student Golf Day at the Bellville Golf Course recently.
Public Admin student dreams about Currie Cup victory
Hard work, a lot of tears, heart breaks, disappointments, empty tummies, loneliness, doubt, not being good enough, having nowhere to go, faith, drive, hope, passion, consistency, has never deterred Nathan Nkutu’s dreams of playing professional rugby.
Former captain challenges team to fight for Varsity Cup promotion
The outgoing CPUT men’s rugby team captain, Butsha Mputa made an emotional tribute to his teammates at the team’s awards, which were held recently at the Granger Bay Campus.
CPUT team ready to tackle Absa Cape Epic
A development engineer who recently recovered from Covid-19 is a member of the CPUT team competing in this year’s Absa Cape Epic, known as the biggest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world.
Eat more fruit and veg
Students are being encouraged to add more fruit and vegetables to their daily diet.
