Madibaz quartet graduate Cucsa Games with distinction

Madibaz's Irene Phiri prepares to deliver the ball during a match in the recent Cucsa Games in Pretoria where she represented the University Sports SA volleyball team.

The experience gained by two Mandela University netballers who represented the national student team at the Cucsa Games will stand the institution in good stead for the upcoming Varsity Netball tournament.

Madibaz skipper Mothira Mohammad and Hanniska van Vuuren were part of the gold medal winning side who beat Zimbabwe 96-30 in the final in Pretoria recently.

Mohammad, who turned out on wing and goal attack, said it had been “extra special” to have been recognised at international level for a second time.

“There was a lot of depth in the squad this year so I was happy to make the side,” the 25-year-old said.

“We took the approach of trying to up the standard of our play in each game and to showcase a high level of netball.”

The camaraderie in the squad across the different sports codes made it a week to remember, Mohammad added.

“That was one of the big positives,” the Madibaz player, who is already working on her game to be at her best for the Varsity Netball competition in September, said.

Van Vuuren, who, like her captain, also plays wing and goal attack, said she appreciated the exposure she had received in her maiden appearance.

“Being selected meant so much, more than words can explain, because it was such a great opportunity to represent South Africa and getting to know new people,” the 20-year-old said.

“The way the team operated had a massive impact on my performance because everyone did what they were supposed to and that made it easier for me to do my job.”

The enthusiastic youngster said these experiences made all the challenges, such as training at all hours of the day, worth it.

In addition, Mandela University’s Irene Phiri was part of the SA women’s volleyball team who took bronze and Barry Letsebe a member of the chess team who placed third.

It was not Phiri’s first Cucsa dance either.

“It feels great knowing that the hard work I’ve been putting in is paying off,” the 22-year-old, who played the role of opposite hitter, said.

“I’m relatively new to the sport so every achievement is a big win for me.”

She has been working with coach Nolan Bentley since her selection for the 2023 USSA squad and he has helped her play with more intensity, getting the basics right and remaining calm in the heat of the moment.

“That has made me a better player.”

Phiri felt her story was an example to her peers.

“I always encourage students to find something to do, whether it be joining a society or playing sport. Find what works for you and give it your best.”

For chess master-in-the-making Letsebe, the Games proved a revelation.

“I did not expect to make the team, so it has been an interesting journey. The tournament really showed me what areas need work.”

One of these was his “chess psychology” and another the “pressure of playing longer games”.

Letsebe explained that he was used to playing a faster version of the game.

“So that is something I will be working on going forward, learning how to handle the situation when you have more time to think.”