Essen, Germany – July 1, 2025
The University Sports South Africa (USSA) Team’s fencing delegation is poised to make its mark at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, as three of the nation’s top student-athletes gear up to compete on the international stage. Led by national champion Christiaan Bester, the fencing squad includes fellow standouts Rahul Van Manen and Olympic fencer Harry Saner, under the guidance of coach and team manager Joseph Maluleke.
The Games, running from July 16 to July 27, are one of the world’s largest multi-sport events, bringing together more than 8,500 student-athletes from over 150 countries. Fencing, one of the 15 compulsory sports on the programme, begins on July 18 at Messe Essen (Hall 5) in North Rhine-Westphalia. All six fencing disciplines — men’s and women’s épée, foil, and sabre — will feature individual and team events over a five-day competition window.
A Team Forged Through Rivalry and Respect
South Africa’s three-man fencing team heads into the tournament with momentum and mutual respect. Bester, Van Manen, and Saner all reached the semifinals of the 2025 South African National Championships, with Bester eventually edging out Van Manen in a gripping final to claim the national title.
Their fierce domestic rivalry now transforms into a united international mission.
“The team is composed of our top three fencers, each bringing a wealth of international experience,” said coach Joseph Maluleke. “I firmly believe they have the potential to break into the top 16 and deliver major upsets. While this tournament will undoubtedly be challenging, with Olympians and world champions in the mix, I am confident that our athletes possess the necessary qualities and determination to compete at the highest level.”
The Fencers to Watch
Christiaan Bester, South Africa’s reigning national champion, will enter the Games brimming with confidence after a dominant domestic season. Known for his sharp footwork and intelligent distance control, Bester’s recent triumphs have solidified his status as a top contender in the men’s épée field.
“My preparation for the FISU Games hasn’t differed much from other competitions,” Bester shared. “What’s unique this time is my focus on confidence — not just in my fencing, but in who I am as a person. I want to show up fully and honestly when I represent South Africa on this stage.”
Rahul Van Manen brings an aggressive style and tactical acumen to the strip. His runner-up finish at Nationals and consistent performances throughout the year mark him as a strong medal hopeful. A cerebral fencer, Van Manen thrives in high-pressure bouts and has been lauded for his adaptability and resilience.
“I think the preparations have been similar to other big competitions,” said Van Manen. “We expect to meet a very high quality of fencers at the Games, and I’m really putting in the work at training. Being part of the broader South African squad with other sports is something I’m excited about. It’s a big honour, and I really hope to represent our country well.”
Harry Saner, fresh from representing South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, brings invaluable experience to the team. A product of the Tyshler Fencing School and the University of the Witwatersrand, Saner made history as the first South African fencer to qualify for the Olympics in over a decade.
“I’ve trained harder than ever before for this,” said Saner. “I even elected not to participate in the Senior African Championships this year to focus on these Games. Representing my country gives me a great sense of pride — it’s why I do all this work. After watching the Games in Chengdu, I know what’s coming, and the anticipation is amazing.”
Eyes on Essen
Fencing at the Universiade kicks off with individual events on July 18, where all three South African athletes will compete in the épée category. Qualification pools and direct eliminations will unfold in a single day, demanding both endurance and strategic discipline. The Men’s Epee Team event will follow on July 21, offering a second opportunity for South Africa to break through against traditionally dominant nations like Italy, France, and South Korea.
While South Africa has traditionally focused on athletics, swimming, and team sports at international university events, the inclusion of a full fencing squad in 2025 speaks to the growth of the sport at the university level — and the country’s ambitions beyond.
“This is more than just participation,” said USSA President Jerry Laka during the national team announcement in Pretoria. “Each athlete is a symbol of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. Our fencers have earned their place here and have the chance to change perceptions.”
Mental Fortitude on the Strip
As the trio prepares to face unfamiliar opponents on the global stage, mental readiness is just as critical as physical preparation.
“Mindset is powerful, like in all sports,” explained Van Manen. “I try to balance confidence and caution. Pressure has been a challenge for me in the past, but I’m ready for this. I know my opponents will throw everything at me — but I’m ready for anything.”
Bester added: “Mental preparation for me means practicing presence — staying fully in the moment. There’s a poem I come back to, The Man in the Glass. My goal is to be able to look at that man and say, ‘We’re good.’ If I can do that, I know I’ll bring the best version of myself to the piste.”
Saner, who incorporates yoga and meditation into his routine, echoed the importance of self-awareness: “Training gives you confidence, but you also need a fresh perspective with every opponent. You can’t underestimate anyone — not even the ‘idiot with a sword’ as we say — because especially against skilled unknowns, caution and respect are vital.”
A Platform for Legacy
For Saner, who is eyeing a second Olympic berth at LA 2028, and Bester and Van Manen, who are entering their international prime, the World University Games offer a springboard for bigger goals — and a platform to grow fencing in South Africa.
“There’s so much potential in our country,” Saner noted. “We just need more visibility, more support, and more opportunities like this. Hopefully, our performances can inspire younger athletes to pick up a blade and dream big.”
With talent, experience, and hunger on their side, South Africa’s fencing trio is ready to step onto the piste and carve out their moment on the global stage.
The blades are polished. The preparation is done. Now, it’s time to fence.
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University Sport South Africa, also known as USSA, is the controlling and organizing body for all University Sports in South Africa and abroad.
