SIMPHIWE NHLABATHI
For many, going to TuksSport games is considered a big part of the Tuks student life. For this reason, Perdeby is giving first-years a review of 2014 and a preview of what to expect in 2015.
Netball
The UP-Tuks 1 ladies had a stellar season after winning all their games but stumbled at the final hurdle. Kovsies are the only team to have beaten UP-Tuks in 2014’s Varsity Netball competition, even though the Pretoria side beat the Bloemfontein girls in the opening round of the competition. Much is expected of the Pretoria ladies as they have yet to win the Varsity Netball competition but with the 2015 season fast approaching, many are expecting the trophy to be brought back to Pretoria.
Football
The first edition of the Varsity Football competition was held in 2013. AmaTuks competed and won 4-1 against NMMU Madibaz in the final. The 2014 season saw AmaTuks retain the title after beating UJ 1-0 in the final. The 2015 season also promises to be an exciting one for TuksFootball as they are represented in both the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and in the Varsity Football tournaments. After winning the competition for two years in a row, AmaTuks will be hoping to clench the title again.
Rugby
After winning the Varsity Cup in 2012 and 2013 many expected UP-Tuks 1 to do the Varsity Cup rugby treble by winning it for a third year in a row. This was not to be as they failed to reach the Varsity Cup semi-finals. The 2014 edition of the competition consisted of eight teams: UP Tuks, Maties, UCT Ikey Tigers, NWU Pukke, UJ, NMMU Madibaz, UFS Shimlas and Wits. The competition is intense and has seen great names come from it. Some have gone to represent the country at Springbok level. 2015 will be no different as many new youngsters will be uncovered and will be gunning for the coveted title of Varsity Cup champions.
Athletics
Held at the Tuks athletics stadium, UP-Tuks came out as the overall winner in the 2014 Varsity Athletics programme. UP-Tuks finished all seven meetings. The women’s team took home four of the five track titles on offer. The men’s track events proved to be a bit more of a challenge for UP-Tuks, with UFS-Kovsies taking two of the titles on offer away from Tuks. UP-Tuks had wins in the 200m, 110m hurdles and 4x100m relay. This was Tuks’ second Varsity Athletics title as they won in 2013 as well. Many of the athletes also represented the country in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Many are hoping that Tuks athletes will be in top shape to win the competition for a third year running in 2015.
Image: varsitysportssa.co.za
