A wave of excitement swept through the Fred Crookes Sport Centre as the DUT Freshers Cup kicked off on Saturday, 18 April 2026 at the Steve Biko Campus. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the Durban and Midlands campuses clashed in eight sporting codes, where every pass had purpose, every shot chased glory, and every whistle ignited cheers from the crowd.
The Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, opened proceedings with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a day where sport met spirit. He highlighted that beyond the scoreboard, sport plays a vital role in shaping students into resilient, disciplined, and team-oriented individuals.
“Sport is not only about competition, it is about building character and cultivating important life skills that shape students into well-rounded individuals,” he said.
Dr Moreku added that the Freshers Cup is more than just a tournament, describing it as a gateway for first-year students into the DUT student experience. He noted that it brings students together, breaks down silos, and strengthens unity between the Durban and Midlands campuses, aligning with the ENVISION2030 vision of a vibrant student experience.
On the field, Durban delivered a dominant performance, securing a 3–0 victory in men’s football. Netball saw a commanding 38–9 win, while chess and esports added to their winning streak. Midlands responded strongly, claiming victories in both men’s and women’s volleyball with a 2–0 scoreline, edging basketball 40–36, and narrowly winning ladies’ soccer 1–0.
When the final results were tallied, Durban emerged as overall champions of the 2026 Freshers Cup, lifting the trophy in a display of pride and teamwork.
Speaking after the victory, first-year Diploma in Tourism Management student Ntokozo Ndlovu shared his excitement.
“This win means everything to us. We came here focused, played as a unit, and left everything on the field. The energy from the crowd, the teamwork, the hunger it all came together. Lifting that trophy is a moment we’ll never forget,” he said.
Manager of the Sport Administration Unit, Mr Bongani Yengwa, reflected on the success of the event, describing it as both competitive and developmental for students. He said the Freshers Cup provided a platform for growth, learning, and confidence-building beyond sport.
“Just like in sport, success in academics also requires discipline, understanding, and practice. The tools and opportunities we provide are there to guide students, but they must put in the effort themselves,” said Yengwa.
He encouraged students to set goals early, embrace feedback, and remain consistent in their efforts. “Even setbacks are part of the journey they help you come back stronger,” he added.
Off the field, the atmosphere remained vibrant as students filled the stands, cheering, singing, and supporting their teams. The event also offered entertainment, refreshments, and health services, creating a lively and engaging experience for all attendees.
Pictured: Durban’s first-year students celebrate a triumphant Freshers’ Cup victory, lifting the trophy with pride and unity.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
