WSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WINS DIVISION TO GAIN PROMOTION TO TOP TIER USSA DIVISION A

A spotless campaign that saw the WSU women’s basketball team go undefeated at this year’s University Sport South Africa national tournament saw the squad being promoted to the top tier division of women’s university basketball.

Following their dramatic one-point win over Stellenbosch University during the last day’s action at the University of KwaZulu Natal, WSU, as group winners, gained promotion from division B and will officially compete in division A against some of the country’s most supremely talented teams.

’”This marks a monumental achievement in the history of WSU in basketball because it’s the first time they’ve qualified for division “A” in my ten years being involved with this programme. This is a special bunch of athletes that has worked hard to ensure they qualify for the top tier division wherein they will compete with the country’s cream of the crop,’’ said team coach, Sbu Williams.

At least three of the team’s most outstanding players were subsequently selected for the national team to play in the FISU World Games following their superb performances at the recent USSA championships.

The tremendous trio, who all hail from the city of Rustenburg in the North West, are third-year sports management students, Boitumelo Ramakau and division B all-star select Tshepo Mokua, as well as captain and Management student (advanced diploma), Keatlegile Ramorwesi, who was also voted the most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament in division B.

’’The heights that we have reached during this particular tournament are all thanks to a bond we have as a team, which has brought about a deep understanding of whom each and every individual is within the team and the role each on plays. It’s this tight-knit relationship that has also seen us encouraging and supporting each other for the growth and betterment of the team, ’’ said Ramorwesi, who plays guard.

Most central to the promotion to division “A”, she said, is the opportunity for the team to gain invaluable experience and thus improve one’s game by competing against the most talented university teams and players in the country.

Her teammate, combo guard Ramakau, was a picture of elation following the team last gasp win over a tough Stellenbosch University outfit, and her subsequent selection to the national team.

’’I started playing basketball back in 2014 after a group of basketball coaches went around our local schools to recruit students to start playing the sport. That was nine year ago and I have not looked back since and today that decision sees me being selected to play for my country, ’’ she said.

By Thando Cezula