A new chapter is about to be written for the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Ladies’ Netball team as they prepare to step onto one of South Africa’s biggest university sporting stages. For the first time in the team’s history, CUT has secured a place in the Varsity Netball Top 8, marking a historic milestone and setting the stage for an exciting new era in their journey.

The team’s qualification is already a major milestone, but their achievement goes even further. After finishing fifth in the A Division, CUT secured a place among the top eight university teams in South Africa. For the first time, the players will proudly wear the CUT dress on the national stage, carrying the support and pride of the entire university community with them.

At the team’s commemorative send-off, Dr Bernard Sebake, Dean of Students, congratulated the players for their determination, discipline and outstanding achievement. “You have worked hard to earn this moment. Wear your CUT colours with pride, enjoy the experience and give your very best. The entire university is behind you,” he said.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Samson Mashele, highlighted the important role sport plays in developing discipline, leadership, resilience, accountability and teamwork.

He commended the team’s remarkable progress over just three years and thanked the coaching, management and support staff for their role in developing both athletes and future leaders. “Fight for every ball, stay united and never give up. The CUT colours are not simply something you wear; they are something you represent,” said Prof. Mashele, urging the players to compete with courage, passion and determination.

Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm also acknowledged the dedicated management and support team, many of whom have been part of the CUT Netball journey since 2021. Their commitment has helped build the culture and coaching philosophy behind the team’s success.

For captain Karla Victor, the journey from the C Division to the Varsity Netball Top 8 is a reflection of the team’s hard work and belief. “We are proud of the opportunity to represent the institution. Our team is more than a group of players; we are a family united by a shared vision,” she said.

Victor thanked Coach and the entire support team for their guidance and commitment, adding that the team knows the challenge ahead will be tough, but they are ready. “We will fight for every ball, every goal and every opportunity. We are not going there just to participate. We are going there to make CUT proud. From the C Division to the national stage, CUT Netball has already made history. Now, it is time to take the CUT spirit to Varsity Netball, with pride, passion and purpose.”