In a striking blend of celebration and ceremony, University Sport South Africa (USSA) officially unveiled Team South Africa’s squad for the 2025 FISU World University Games during a cinematic gala at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria on May the 23rd. The movie-themed showcase reflected both the gravity and grandeur of the occasion, as South Africa prepares to send one of its most ambitious and strategically selected delegations to date.
Set to take place in the scenic Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany from 16 to 27 July 2025, the FISU World University Games will feature over 8,500 athletes from more than 150 countries, competing across 18 sporting codes. South Africa will be represented in eight of these: Athletics, Rowing, Swimming, Diving, Archery, Fencing, Tennis, and 3×3 Basketball for both men and women.
The inclusion of South Africa’s first-ever women’s 3×3 basketball team at the Games marks a major milestone for university sport, underscoring the increasing depth and investment in women’s development pathways. It’s a decision rooted in USSA’s broader strategy—a strategy explained in more detail by Chef de Mission Carole Adams in an exclusive interview with Sport South Africa.
“The process actually starts a year and a half in advance,” Adams explained. “Each sports federation—whether basketball, swimming or otherwise—applies to be considered, and we assess them based on high performance or development potential. Swimming and athletics, for example, consistently bring medals, while codes like 3×3 basketball fall under development. But we still believe in giving them the opportunity to grow and shine.”
This blend of medal potential and development priority is evident in the final squad—one that includes household names such as sprinter Bayanda Walaza, as well as promising debutants aiming to leave their mark at international events.
Team SA’s campaign builds on solid momentum. At the 2021 Games in Chengdu, the team returned with 21 medals, edging past the 20 secured in Napoli 2019. While final athlete selections are confirmed for most codes, the Rowing contingent will finalize its list by 12 June, following a final selection camp.
USSA President Jerry Laka, addressing athletes, officials and media at the event, highlighted the importance of the moment:
“Each athlete here has earned their place through grit, talent and unwavering dedication. They’re not just representing universities—they’re representing South Africa’s legacy of sporting excellence.”
Speaking with confidence, Adams believes this year’s squad has the potential to outperform their predecessors.
“In Chengdu we came home with a good haul, but many were silver or bronze. This year we’re targeting more gold. We have athletes like Bayanda Walaza, Lythe Pillay and Pieter Coetzee who are capable of stepping up to that level,” she said.
But the road to Rhine-Ruhr has not been without obstacles. Logistics remain one of the greatest challenges.
“The Games are being hosted in a decentralized format for the first time,” Adams noted. “So instead of a single athlete village, events are spread across cities. Rowing’s in one city, athletics and swimming in Berlin—I’ll be flying back and forth. It’s a big adjustment from a coordination perspective.”
Despite this, Adams remains optimistic, thanks to what she describes as a strong leadership and ground operations team.
Another key lesson taken from previous editions, Adams shared, is the importance of holistic athlete support—not just on the field, but emotionally and culturally.
“Students want to feel good as much as they want to perform. We’ve revamped our team apparel, which will be revealed on social media soon. It’s about pride and identity—when they step onto that international stage, we want them to feel like they belong.”
Success, Adams insists, should not be measured by medals alone.
“For many of these students, it’s their first time on a plane. It’s about the experience. When they come back and share what they’ve learned with their peers, our domestic competitions get better. Our university system gets stronger.”
The ripple effect of international exposure is already evident in growing participation numbers across USSA tournaments—especially in sports where South Africa has historically lacked representation, such as fencing and archery.
In a message to the student-athletes preparing to embark on this journey, Adams offered heartfelt advice:
“Take a moment. Step back during all the excitement and just let it all sink in. You might only get this chance once as a student. So absorb it, enjoy it, and carry it forward—whether that’s into future competitions or back into your university community.”
The CEO of USSA, Marissa Langeni, also acknowledged the critical support of stakeholders, institutions and sponsors who continue to invest in university athletes:
“What you see here is the result of years of belief, planning and commitment. Our partners make it possible not just to send athletes to Germany—but to build national pride, unity, and leadership through sport.”
With training camps now entering their final phase and conditioning programs tightening up, all eyes turn to Germany this July. For many of these athletes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country, university, and personal journey on a global stage.
As South Africa’s student-athletes get ready to take on the world, one thing is certain—the spirit of unity, determination, and promise runs deep in this team. And from the courts and pools to the tracks and shooting lines, Team SA will fly the flag with pride.
Follow the journey across USSA’s digital platforms for athlete profiles, preparation updates, and behind-the-scenes insights as South Africa gears up for the 2025 FISU World University Games.
Sport South Africa is proud to announce that our media team will be on the ground in Germany, providing dedicated coverage of our athletes and teams across all eight sporting codes. In the weeks leading up to the Games, we’ll be profiling the student-athletes representing South Africa—sharing their stories, journeys, and ambitions. Be sure to follow along as we shine a spotlight on the next generation of sporting talent flying the South African flag at the World University Games.
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