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CUCSA looks ahead to brighter future

FISU 25 September 2020

“Persevering during difficult times takes a lot, but if all of us pull together and play our part, we will prevail.”

 

South Africa men's football team at 2018 CUCSA GamesSouth Africa men’s football team at 2018 CUCSA GamesSouthern African university sport, like the rest of the world, has had to take a back seat this year due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many in limbo; and countless tournaments, championships and competitions either postponed or cancelled.

 

Added to the list of events affected was the historic 20th edition of the ever-popular Confederation of University and College Sports Association (CUCSA) Games, which were scheduled to take place in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho, from July 27 to August 2 this year.

 

The CUCSA Games take place biennially and involve ten southern African nations, including Botswana, Angola, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland, Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia.

 

This year’s milestone 20th edition was set to feature 10 different sporting codes over the six-day competition, which included Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Football, Karate, Netball, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.

 

Medallist at 2018 CUCSA GamesA medallist at 2018 CUCSA GamesThe 2018 edition held in Botswana saw the region’s powerhouse South Africa dominate proceedings as they finished top of the medal standings with 25 gold medals, followed by Zimbabwe with 10 and hosts Botswana with nine.

 

The medals this year will be kept in their packaging after organisers were forced to indefinitely postpone the 2020 event, much to the disappointment of CUCSA Secretary General, Matsobane Laka.

 

“It was really heart breaking for us to take the decision to postpone the Games because everyone was really looking forward to it,” Laka told FISU. “The Games enable athletes and officials to connect with their counterparts from other countries and have continuously united us in the Southern African region, enabling laughter and friendships.”

 

Both participants and the first-time hosts were left aggrieved after the official announcement of the competition’s postponement.

 

“For the hosts, it is a big blow because they were looking forward to hosting the Games for the first time,” Mr Laka continued. “It would of course have also been a major economic benefit for the country, having all the CUCSA members present. 

 

CUCSA staff and members at 2019 AGM in ZambiaCUCSA staff and members at 2019 AGM in Zambia

“For the athletes, it is a major blow as well because they were looking forward to participating in the Games, which are only organised every two years. The Games are a great opportunity for a number of athletes who don’t get the opportunity to participate in the FISU World University Games.”

 

Despite the sporting event being put on ice, Laka says the CUCSA staff have remained upbeat and informed amid the ongoing global crisis.

 

“We have been kept busy interacting with the host country to try and come up with a possible date for 2021, given the fact that the international events calendar is already packed,” he says. “We have also been attending various webinars to keep ourselves informed of the impact of the virus on sport in general and in our environment.”

 

In what has been a difficult time for all, Laka says CUCSA member federations have all undertaken initiatives through their respective universities to connect with student athletes and look after their well-being, as best they can.

 

Zimbabwe at 2018 CUCSA GamesZimbabwe at 2018 CUCSA GamesYet the CUCSA staff are already planning for the future as they begin preparations for an exciting new venture which is set to be rolled out when university sport in the region resumes.

 

“In future we are looking at introducing the CUCSA Championships in odd years, when we are not hosting the CUCSA Games,” he explains, the details of which will be announced in due course.

 

For now, CUCSA and university sports organisers in the region understand that this period has been challenging for all, yet Matsobane Laka has urged all student-athletes to remain positive and united in the hope of better times in the not-too-distant future.

 

“The road ahead is going to be tough, but it is a question of mind over matter,” he encourages. “Persevering during difficult times takes a lot, but if all of us pull together and play our part, we will prevail.”

 

All images courtesy of CUCSA’s Facebook page