The UKZN women's volleyball team successfully defended its title at the USSA Games by winning a tense final against the DUT team. This victory highlighted the emergence of new talents and the coach's skill.
The UKZN women's volleyball team successfully defended its title at the USSA Games by winning a tense final against the DUT team. This victory highlighted the emergence of new talents and the coach's skill.
The triumph was another important milestone for the team, which had previously won the national title in 2025, thereby cementing its place among the country's leading university volleyball teams.
The current success was particularly significant as three young players—Anelle Masondo, Hannah Enoch, and Sreya Rajagopal—participated in the USSA final for the first time and contributed to the championship squad.
Head coach Marcellino Harold noted that this year's team preparation differed significantly from the previous year due to the departure of several senior players. He explained that last year's team consisted of experienced veterans, many of whom had graduated from the university and left. In the current season, first-year students joined the squad, creating a blend of new and proven experience.
Harold added that the focus of training sessions was on boosting the confidence of younger players and helping them believe in their ability to win the tournament. He called defending the title an even more emotional and valuable achievement, noting that the coaching staff had to find the right balance for effective interaction between experienced and young athletes.
Co-captains Busisive Maposa and Selina Naidu described Harold's leadership style as demanding yet supportive throughout the tournament. Maposa, who has captained the team for the past three years, reported that preparation this season was more intensive: the team played six qualifying matches before traveling to the USSA Games while also mentoring junior players. She emphasized that their team spirit helped overcome difficulties.
The team's success was further recognized by three players receiving invitations to the national team: Bontle Finger, Vishia Naidu, and Jaden Mudli will now represent South Africa. Furthermore, UKZN dominated individual categories: Maposa was named best spiker, Vishia Naidu was named best blocker, and Jaden Mudli was recognized as the best libero.
Looking ahead, Harold announced that the team will take a short break before returning to prepare for the Tongaat Opens at the end of this month and the national Club Championship. He also praised co-captains Maposa and Naidu for leading the team to back-to-back victories and developing the next generation of athletes.
UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Dr. Norma Zondo, congratulated the team on the achievement, stating that this victory reflects the university's commitment to athletic excellence. She noted that the women's team's victory at the USSA for the second consecutive year is an outstanding accomplishment, demonstrating the dedication, resilience, and culture of excellence inherent to UKZN. Dr. Zondo also expressed pride in the three students selected for the national team and congratulated them on their well-deserved recognition.