UL cricket team wins gold at Ussa games
The cricket team of University of Limpopo (UL) were crowned the 2021 champions of the University Sports South Africa (USSA) games after defeating Varsity College by nine wickets in the final match of the games held in George on December 4.
On their way to the final they eliminated Sol Plaatje University, Mpumalanga University and neighbours University of Venda.
In his short congratulatory message, Kakata Maponyane, director of sport at the University said their victory has amplified the name and the brand of the university. “They have grown the university brand and that makes us happy as management. We wish them all the best in their defense of the title next year.”
Tshepho Pudikebekwa, coach of the team said the victory will grow the sport at the university. “
This is a historic moment for the university. We have never won a gold medal at the USSA games before, we were always knocked out during the group stages and we are happy to finally win the silverware. We were struggling to recruit more players in the team but think the interest for cricket will now grow among the students.”
He also credited the Limpopo Impala Cricket Union for supporting the team with coaches prior to the games. “Before we traveled to the games they supplied us with a coach who regularly visited our training sessions to motivate the players. We were also lucky because we have few players playing for union teams and their experience were handy in our quest for glory.”
Pudikabekwa announced that they will be embarking on a talent recruitment drive in Mankweng and Polokwane to strengthen their team for next year’s USSA games.
“Some of our players in the squad will be graduating, therefore leaving the university. We want to have enough talent in the squad to defend our title.”
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