By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: TuksSport student-athletes proudly gather ahead of the 2026 USSA Championships and Commonwealth Games during an official send-off ceremony hosted by the University of Pretoria. The event celebrates the athletes’ dedication, academic excellence and sporting achievements as they prepare to represent Tuks and South Africa on national and international stages in pursuit of podium success. Photo Credit: Supplied
PRETORIA – The University of Pretoria’s renowned sporting division, TuksSport, is set to celebrate excellence, dedication and achievement when it hosts an official send-off ceremony for student-athletes selected to compete at the 2026 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
The prestigious event, scheduled to take place at Future Africa on 25 June, will honour athletes who have successfully balanced academic excellence with elite sporting performance to earn provincial, national and international recognition.
The send-off serves as a powerful reminder of TuksSport’s ongoing commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes capable of competing at the highest levels while pursuing their academic goals.
A Tradition of Sporting Excellence
The University of Pretoria has long been recognised as one of South Africa’s leading sporting institutions, producing Olympians, national champions and international representatives across multiple sporting codes.
Over the past year alone, Tuks athletes have continued to raise the bar by securing national colours, breaking records and representing South Africa on some of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
The athletes selected for the upcoming USSA Championships and Commonwealth Games now carry forward that proud legacy as they prepare to compete against the best student-athletes and elite performers in their respective disciplines.
More Than Winning Medals
According to Nicola Macleod, Deputy Director: Coaching and Performance at TuksSport, the send-off represents more than simply wishing athletes success in competition.
“The send-off is more than just an opportunity to wish our student-athletes well at the upcoming competitions. It’s a testament to who we are as TuksSport,” said Macleod.
“We strive to build athletes who lead with integrity, resilience and heart. Athletes who are proud to be part of the Stripe generation and part of the UP journey, which guides them from potential to performance and from effort to excellence.”
Macleod highlighted the crucial role played by TuksSport’s support structures and strategic partners in helping athletes reach their full potential.
“With the support of our sponsor BestMed and our partners SEMLI and hpc, we continually build on our programmes through better coaching, sports science, medical and academic support in the pursuit of excellence. This is demonstrated by our student-athletes who will compete in the weeks ahead.”
Delivering the Complete Student Experience
For TuksSport Director and High-Performance Centre CEO Steven Ball, the achievements of the University’s athletes demonstrate the success of a holistic approach to student development.
“The University of Pretoria is proud to see our students compete at the highest level while excelling academically,” said Ball.
“This is what a complete university experience looks like — and TuksSport is delivering it.”
The institution’s integrated approach combines elite coaching, world-class facilities, sports science expertise, medical support and academic assistance, ensuring student-athletes are equipped to excel both on and off the field.
Ready for USSA Competition
TuksSport will compete at the 2026 USSA Championships taking place from 28 June to 3 July, fielding teams across several sporting codes.
The University will be represented in:
- 3×3 Basketball
- Hockey
- Indoor Volleyball
- Rugby 15s
- Netball
- Squash
Among the teams heading into the competition are the defending USSA Rugby champions, who will be looking to build on their success and further cement TuksSport’s reputation as a powerhouse of university sport.
Flying the Tuks Flag High
As the athletes prepare to represent both the University of Pretoria and South Africa on national and international stages, the send-off ceremony will serve as a celebration of hard work, sacrifice and ambition.
It will also reinforce TuksSport’s vision of transforming talented young athletes into champions, leaders and role models capable of making an impact far beyond the sporting arena.
With determination, preparation and the backing of an institution committed to excellence, TuksSport’s student-athletes are ready to take the next step in their sporting journeys and continue making the University of Pretoria proud.
