The Emeris ladies’ basketball team was crowned champions of the University Sports South Africa (USSA) C-Section National Championships after a week-long tournament, and the team was promoted to the USSA B-Section for the 2027 season.

The championships, hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand, brought together seven higher education institutions, which included Nelson Mandela University and Walter Sisulu University, among others. Mninawa Ndaku, the sport coordinator at Emeris Sandton, praised the team’s resilience and commitment. “Coming from a difficult 2025 season where we did not win a single match at the USSA Championships, this year was one of redemption. The players embraced a new culture, believed in the process, and showed incredible character throughout the tournament.”

Read more: Michael Mount U19 Boys crowned champions at St John’s Basketball Tournament

Andrew Dreyer, the sport coordinator at Emeris Ruimsig, said, “Our only defeat of the tournament was against Walter Sisulu University, where we went down 34–40. Rather than letting that setback define us, the team used it as motivation to regroup, refocus and come back stronger. From that point on, we won every remaining fixture, including a 57–38 victory over our long-time rivals Sol Plaatje University in the championship final.”
Several outstanding individual performances contributed to the championship success. Molebogeng Mogajane, a second-year, was selected for the USSA C-Section All-Star Team, while Scylla Govender, a first-year, was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an exceptional performance in the championship match.

Kerena Leong, a third-year player, earned the Tournament MVP award after consistently delivering outstanding performances throughout the week. “I do not see this as an individual achievement; I owe a lot to my coach for believing in me and recognising my strengths. I also want to thank my teammates; this MVP award belongs to all of us. Everyone in the team played a part in making it possible,” highlighted Leong.

Also read: Parktown Boys High School claim victory over Jeppe High B team at U14 Basketball Festival

Tournament results:

• Emeris 45 – University of Fort Hare 23 (Win)
• Emeris 34 – Walter Sisulu University 40 (Loss)
• Emeris 52 – Nelson Mandela University 40 (Win)
• Emeris 53 – University of Mpumalanga 30 (Win)
• Emeris 37 – Sol Plaatje University 12 (Win)
• Emeris 50 – University of Zululand 28 (Win)
• Final: Emeris 57 – Sol Plaatje University 38 (Win)

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!