GABORONE, BOTSWANA – Team South Africa has once again cemented its status as
the dominant force in Southern African university sport after successfully
defending its title at the 2026 Confederation of Universities and Colleges
Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in Gaborone, Botswana.
Competing against the region’s top university sporting nations, the South
African delegation delivered an outstanding performance across multiple sporting
codes, finishing at the summit of the medal standings with an impressive 46
medals—comprising 24 gold, 15 silver, and seven bronze. Zimbabwe finished
second, while hosts Botswana claimed third place.
The week−long tournament brought together elite student−athletes from across
Southern Africa, reaffirming the CUCSA Games as a premier platform for
high−performance university sport, regional collaboration, and student
development.
South Africa’s dominance was evident throughout the competition, with consistent
podium finishes reflecting the depth of talent, meticulous preparation, and
strength of the University Sport South Africa (USSA) system. The successful
title defence further reinforces South Africa’s reputation as the benchmark for
university sport in the region.
USSA President Jerry Laka praised the athletes, coaches, and support staff for
their remarkable achievement.
"I am proud to announce that Team South Africa is the overall winner of the
CUCSA Games 2026. This achievement belongs to every single one of you. Once
again, you have set the standard for Southern African university sport and made
our universities and our country proud," said Laka.
He also commended the team’s professionalism, discipline, and unity throughout
the tournament.
"You competed with heart, respect, and pride, demonstrating the true spirit of
student sport. This victory is the result of the collective efforts of our
athletes, coaches, medical teams, managers, and university leadership who worked
tirelessly to ensure our success."
Team South Africa’s Chef de Mission, Mark Bashe, described the title defence as
one of the delegation’s proudest achievements, particularly given that several
sporting codes were not included in this year’s programme.
"I could not be prouder of what this team has achieved. Team South Africa showed
heart, resilience, and commitment from the first whistle to the final event, and
that determination ultimately secured the championship," Bashe said.
Bashe acknowledged that the delegation encountered logistical challenges during
the Games but praised the team’s ability to remain focused on its objectives.
"Despite a few challenges experienced with the Local Organising Committee, we
adapted quickly and ensured that Team South Africa achieved its goals. Our
coaches, team managers, and the General Delegation Management displayed
exceptional professionalism under pressure and kept the team united throughout
the competition."
Beyond the impressive medal tally, Team South Africa’s campaign was
characterised by resilience, discipline, teamwork, and excellence—qualities that
continue to define the country’s university sport system. The Games also served
as an important platform for nurturing future sporting talent while
strengthening regional cooperation through sport.
As the delegation returns home, they do so not only as champions but also as
proud ambassadors of South African university sport, once again setting the
standard for excellence across Southern Africa.
The CUCSA Executive Committee has confirmed that the 2028 CUCSA Games will be
hosted in Zambia, where Team South Africa will aim to defend its crown for a
third consecutive edition.
Team South Africa Medal Breakdown
|
Sport |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
Total |
|
Athletics |
13 |
9 |
4 |
26 |
|
Table Tennis |
5 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
|
Chess |
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
Tennis |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Basketball |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Football |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Total |
24 |
15 |
7 |
46 |
|
