Central SA
CUT first university of technology to host USSA netball championships─── SIYAKHOLWA MBATYAZWA 14:07 Thu, 16 Jul 2026
The Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein has become the first university of technology to host the annual University Sport South Africa (USSA) netball championships.
CUT sport manager Shela Molekwa said hosting the tournament was an opportunity to change perceptions. Many people associate Bloemfontein only with the University of the Free State and are unaware of the CUT’s presence and capabilities.
“CUT has the capabilities to host big events, and considering people would say that we are a small university, which is the language that I don’t like, because then what’s the meaning of small?”
CUT sporting manager Shela Molekwa. Photo supplied
Hosting the championships also provided an opportunity to showcase CUT’s facilities to key stakeholders. Representatives from the Free State Sport Confederation and Netball South Africa were invited to the event.
Molekwa believed this could encourage them to consider the university as a venue for future provincial and national sporting events.
Hosting a tournament of this scale comes with different challenges. “One of the biggest obstacles was that CUT’s tennis and netball courts were not in a suitable condition ahead of the championships. However, after engaging with the university’s facilities department, the courts were upgraded and completed before the tournament began.”
This event has managed to change how people think and view CUT as an institution. “Many people had the perception that the institution was little more than a large high school and had been neglected. But once they visited the campus, they were impressed by the modern buildings, the cleanliness, and how conveniently everything is located,” she said.
The tournament benefited not only the university but also the students who were involved in hosting it. “The event gave our students, particularly those who volunteered, the opportunity to be part of something significant. Being involved in an event of this magnitude provides valuable experience that they can add to their CVs.”
Looking ahead, Molekwa said CUT hoped to host more major university sporting events, including the USSA football championships and cheerleading competitions. “Hosting the USSA football championships is a dream, because we don’t have the facilities at the moment. However, I believe we are in a position to host a national cheerleading competition almost immediately.”
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