By: Puleng Maphisa – 27 October 2023

Volleyball South Africa (VSA) Champs Cup       

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Volleyball team experienced sheer joy as they clinched a remarkable array of trophies in the past month. The journey commenced with a spirited participation in the Volleyball South Africa (VSA) Champs Cup, followed by a challenging test at the Aqua Darshan Elite Cup. Moreover, the team proudly saw some of its members get into the South African colours in the prestigious BRICS Volleyball Cup.

Aqua Darshan Elite Cup

The month was nothing short of historic for VUT, with their women’s team achieving top honours in both the VSA Champs Cup and the Aqua Darshan Elite Cup. On the other hand, the men’s team put up a commendable performance, securing the second position in both strongly contested tournaments.

The triumph in the VSA Champs Cup holds a particularly special significance for VUT. It earned them the privilege of representing South Africa in the upcoming National Games scheduled to be held in Lesotho from the 7 – 17^th of December 2023. This honour, however, comes with financial demands, and the team is actively seeking sponsorship to ensure their participation in this prestigious event.

Xoli, who leads the Volleyball team, expressed their enthusiasm and optimism about the opportunities that have unfolded. The win secured at the Aqua Darshan Elite Cup victory has proven to be a timely boon, serving as a financial cushion while they continue their search for sponsors to underwrite their journey. In addition, the institution has committed to contributing to certain aspects of the expenses, further bolstering their determination to make a remarkable mark at the Lesotho games. The team needs financial assistance to be in Lesotho +_ R300,000 which is an inclusion of Transportation ,Accommodation and affiliation fee which comes at a bigger cost.

In the grand scheme of things, this October has not only been about victory on the court but also about embarking on a journey that extends beyond borders. The VUT Volleyball team is gearing up to represent their nation on a larger stage, and with the support of sponsors and their unwavering dedication, they are poised to leave an indelible mark in the upcoming National Games in Lesotho.

The following are the Special Awards from the VSA game

Women

• Best Setter: Buhle Khuzwayo
• Best Blocker: Makhosana Dlamini
• Best Attacker: Tatiana Simopoulus
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Tatiana Simopoulos

Men

• Best Setter: Babongile Tshabalala
• Best Defender: Kabelo Motaung

For Aqua Darshan Elite Cup

Women

• Best Blocker: Makhosana Dlamini
• Best Server: Tatiana Simopoulos
• MVP: Karabo Molefha

Men

• Best Blocker: Kgotatso Mamabolo

BRICS Players

• Thabang Moekane
• Kemo Otsweleng