Nust strengthens ties in SA

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) men’s hockey team recently competed at the University Sport South Africa Association championships, where they came fifth out of seven teams in the C section. 

The team played six matches, winning two, drawing one and losing three. 

They opened their account with a 2-1 victory against North West University Mafikeng, with Matu Kavikairiua and Tawana Mutapati scoring their goals, but then lost 1-0 in their next match against the University of Limpopo.

They suffered a 5-1 defeat to the Durban University of Technology, with Mutapati scoring their solitary goal, but then drew 3-3 against Mangosotho University of Technology, with Kavikairiua scoring two and Paulus Filippus one goal. 

Nust suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Central University of Technology, with Kavikairiua scoring their solitary goal, before signing the tournament off in style with an 11-0 victory against the University of Zululand.

Kavikaeriua was once again their top scorer, along with and Matthew Mouton, with four goals each, while Mutapati, Calvin Itungi and Vialli Visagie each scored one goal. 

Kavikaeriua was the second top goal scorer in their section with eight goals, while Daryl Lotter of Durban University of Technology finished way out in front with 20 goals. 

Nust has been competing at the tournament for the past 10 years, while their best performance came in 2019 when they finished third out of seven teams. 

Nust convenor Eslon Ngeendepi said the games provided an opportunity to strengthen ties and to improve their hockey. 

“The university games are of importance to Nust as they provide a platform for students to interact outside their academic sphere, while promoting mass participation through intra-mural and inter-campus events. It also promotes high performance for elite performers and provides a competitive environment and social life for our students,” he said. 

“As the only higher learning institution with a hockey team in Namibia, these games provide an opportunity for more competition and international exposure,” he concluded.