USSA News USSA Hockey Championships Ready to Set Stellenbosch Alight The stage is set for the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Hockey Championships that will see the country’s finest student hockey players go head-to-head for the various titles between 30 June and 4 July 2025. Stellenbosch University will welcome over 20 universities from across SA, the first time a single venue will accommodate the A, B and C sections, thanks to a newly completed astro turf (a collaboration with Paul Roos Gymnasium) where Maties Hockey will field both men’s and women’s teams on a triple astro pitch in Coetzenburg. The men’s defending division A champions, Tuks, are looking to stamp their authority as one of the all-time great university hockey teams by clinching a fourth title in just five championships. They head to the Western Cape aware that they have a target on their back, though. "We’re aware that being defending champions puts a target on our backs, and that’s something we embrace," said Kagiso Mathaba, the University of Pretoria coach. "The approach this year has been about refining our identity - sticking to what made us successful, but also evolving in areas where we can be better." Inky Zondi, Tuks women’s coach, is adamant that last year’s victory has little relevance now. "Each year provides a different and unique challenge. What we achieved last year has little relevance. The competition level is high and we look forward to being involved at such a level," said Zondi. Both sides have included a mix of experienced and exciting new talent. Says Mathaba: "Calvin David, Sihle Ntuli and Jamie Seale bring leadership and a high performance mindset, especially with their current involvement at the Nations Cup. As for young talent, we have three youngsters, Devin Allen, Ruard Booysen and Josh de Klerk, all first years, but their composure and impact during the recent U21 IPT, where they helped our province to a silver medal, showed they are ready for the big stages." Zondi mentions that the USSA Championships is an important item on the hockey calender. "The level of competition is as good as it gets on the local scene and of course it allows students to showcase their skills." The Varsity College women’s side heads to Stellenbosch with confidence, hoping to make this their second division B title in a row. Gqeberha’s 2024 men’s division B champions, Madibaz, on the other hand, will showcase their flair like they did last year. The question is: will we witness see a changing of the guard, or has the defending champions upped their game? The games will be live-streamed on the SuperSport School App for hockey enthusiasts across the country. However, if you are in Stellenbosch, Cape Town or the surrounding areas, head over to Stellenbosch University’s astro fields to witness South Africa’s top student hockey players in action. Entry is free and a supporters tent will be available for refreshments. Spectators and fans can expect high calibre action with music, vibes and more youto keep you entertained throughout the tournament. Posted by Staff Writer on 24 Jun, 2025 Source: USSA