"NUST Hockey's Historic Triumph: Rising to USSA C-Section Victory"

Brian Munango
  • 2 Months Ago 09 July 2024
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) emerged triumphant in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) hockey tournament's C-Section, capping off a spectacular week in Johannesburg with a resounding 4-1 victory over Durban University of Technology (DUT) in the final. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team, which has steadily climbed the ranks since its debut in 2013 and will now advance to the B-section for next year's competition.



Throughout the week-long tournament from July 1st to 5th, NUST displayed exceptional prowess on the field, showcasing their determination and skill against tough opponents. Their journey included impressive victories over NWU Mahikeng (5-1), Sol Plaatje University (2-1), Vaal University of Technology (4-0), and a narrow loss to ETA College (0-1). However, it was their commanding performance against DUT in the final that sealed their title, with a convincing scoreline reflecting their dominance throughout the tournament.



Key to NUST's success was Owen Hatton, who earned the prestigious title of Player of the Tournament for his outstanding contribution, scoring a total of six goals across the matches. The team collectively achieved the highest goal tally in their group, notching up an impressive 15 goals in total, underscoring their offensive prowess and cohesive gameplay.



Reflecting on their achievement, team captain Nelson Ekandjo expressed immense pride in their performance and thanked their sponsors for their unwavering support. Head coach Fenestha Pienaar echoed these sentiments, highlighting the team's journey from earlier placements to their current standing and emphasizing the unity and determination that defined their campaign.



"This year's tournament was a testament to the hard work and dedication of every player and staff member involved," said Coach Pienaar. "The spirit of brotherhood and resilience displayed by the team was truly remarkable, reminiscent of scenes from classic sports movies. We are thrilled with our progress and look forward to continuing our upward trajectory in future tournaments."



NUST's victory in the USSA hockey tournament not only marks a significant milestone in their sporting journey but also solidifies their status as a force to be reckoned with in South African university hockey. As they prepare to elevate their game in the B-section next year, all eyes will be on NUST to see how they continue to rise to new heights in collegiate sports.