The North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Bodybuilding and CrossFit team has once again demonstrated its sporting excellence by securing the Overall Team Championship at the 2026 University Sport South Africa (USSA) National Bodybuilding and CrossFit Championships.

Their outstanding performances across multiple bodybuilding divisions and CrossFit events also saw the NWU produce the prestigious Men’s Physique overall champion, cementing them as one of the leading institutions for student sport in the country.

For head coach Raphael Ntumba, the victory represents the culmination of months of dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment.

“This means everything to me. I have watched these athletes work so hard every single day. Winning this title shows that the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus is a top university in sport. It shows that we are not just here to take part – we are here to win at all costs. This win is for every student, staff member and supporter who believed in us,” said Ntumba.

He was quick to acknowledge the contribution of his fellow coaches, Mzamani Pat Mabasa and Robert Walsh, describing the achievement as a collective effort.

According to Ntumba, the success of the team was built on discipline, thorough preparation, and a strong support system.

“We had athletes who never missed training, a coaching team that complemented one another, excellent support from the university and, most importantly, a team spirit where everyone pushed each other to become better,” he explained.

Preparation extended far beyond physical conditioning. Athletes followed structured strength and conditioning programmes, refined their posing techniques, adhered to strict nutrition plans and undertook mental preparation through breathing exercises and visualisation. Coaches also studied their competition carefully to ensure every athlete was strategically prepared.

Despite the success, the road to the national championships was not without challenges. Transport logistics and operational budget constraints required careful planning and collaboration with the Sports Office at the university.

“We solved these challenges by working closely with the Sports Office and ensuring that our athletes had everything they needed while also balancing training with proper recovery,” Ntumba said.