Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Staff Sports Association (SMUSSA) members showcased sporting excellence, teamwork, and university pride at the 2026 Intervarsity Staff Tournament, recently hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
The tournament brought together staff members from SMU, Wits, the University of Namibia (UNAM), North West University (NWU), University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Johannesburg (UJ), Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) across the region for a day of sporting competition, social interaction and camaraderie. The staff athletes competed in various sporting codes, including football, netball, volleyball, darts, tennis, super pool and athletics.
SMU staff members competed across different categories and delivered several impressive performances, with the university securing first place in both darts and super pool.
In darts, under team manager Busisiwe Ndlovu, the university secured first place. The achievement highlighted the SMU staff contingent’s commitment and competitive spirit.
SMU also claimed first position in super pool under team manager Evence Mokgetlhe, representing the university in the discipline. The two victories were a major highlight of SMU’s participation in the tournament.
Commenting on the achievements, SMUSSA Chairperson Caroline Moeletsi congratulated the representatives and said: “Position 1 for both Darts and Super Pool! Your dedication, hard work, and consistency have truly paid off. This achievement reflects your commitment and excellence. Keep raising the bar and leading from the front.”
The netball team also delivered a strong performance, defeating UJ 2–0 before progressing to the latter stages of the tournament. SMU eventually finished second after a closely contested match against NWU Mahikeng, losing by just two points, 15–17.
In football, the SMU team lost 1-0 against NWU Mafikeng, but they came back in the semifinal to 2-0, just not enough to win the game.
The volleyball team also represented SMU in a competitive campaign and finished fifth in the competition.
In athletics, SMU secured another podium finish, claiming second place in the tug-of-war.
Beyond the results, the Intervarsity Staff Tournament allowed SMU staff members to socialise, engage with colleagues from other universities, build relationships, and enjoy a day of sport and fun.
The tournament also formed part of the preparation towards the Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games in Namibia, which will take place later this year, with the University of Namibia (UNAM) set to host the competition.
For SMU, the Intervarsity Staff Tournament was therefore not only about winning medals and reaching the final stages of competition. It was also about fostering teamwork, wellness, camaraderie and a healthy spirit of competition among university staff.
Strong performances in darts and super pool, alongside semi-final finishes in netball and second place in tug-of-war, plus a football semi-final appearance, gave SMU plenty to build on.
As staff members prepare for the upcoming SAUSSA Games in Namibia, the Intervarsity tournament has provided valuable competitive exposure while strengthening relationships and team spirit among university staff.
The event once again demonstrated the important role that sport plays in creating a vibrant university community and bringing institutions together through competition, collaboration and shared experiences. SMU continues to carry its spirit of excellence beyond the workplace and onto the sporting field.
By Rose Moreki
