SPU proudly hosted the University Sport South Africa (USSA) 2024 Football Tournament, welcoming 22 universities from across the country from 1 – 6 December 2024. The tournament began with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Suzuki Stadium, where teams were warmly welcomed to kickstart a week of competitive football.
Tournament Highlights
The 2024 USSA Football Tournament delivered thrilling matches in both the men’s and women’s sections, showcasing the exceptional talent of student-athletes.
In the men’s division, University of Johannesburg emerged as champions after defeating the University of Pretoria in an exhilarating final. In the women’s division, University of the Western Cape claimed the championship title after overcoming the University of Johannesburg in a fiercely contested match.
A Milestone in Sporting Excellence
Hosting this prestigious event marked a historic moment for SPU because it elevated SPU’s visibility, inspired the local community, and showcased our Sport Precinct as a vibrant hub for sport and development.
This commitment to excellence is further exemplified by the recent launch of SPU’s High-Performance Sport Centre in November 2024, a first for the Northern Cape. The HPC will serve not only SPU students but also communities in the region, fostering social cohesion, broadening access to opportunities, and cultivating excellence in sports.
Gemmies Represent SPU with Pride
SPU’s men’s football team, affectionately known as the Gemmies, showcased remarkable determination and skill throughout the tournament. They started strong with back-to-back victories: a 1 – 0 win against the University of the Western Cape, followed by another 1 – 0 triumph over Mangosuthu University of Technology.
The Gemmies then held their ground in a tightly contested match against the University of Johannesburg, which ended in a 0 – 0 draw. Advancing to the knockout stages, the team secured an impressive 2 – 0 victory against Walter Sisulu University. However, their journey ended in the quarterfinals with a 0 – 1 loss to Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
SPU’s women’s football team also delivered an outstanding performance during the tournament. Their campaign included a 7 – 0 victory against Rhodes University and a 2 – 0 win against ETA College. The team further demonstrated their prowess with a 1 – 0 win over MUT and a 1 – 1 draw against the University of Zululand.
Together, the teams displayed exceptional commitment, teamwork, and skill, highlighting that our Gemmies are a rising force in university football.
Celebrating Excellence and Sportsmanship
The tournament concluded with an exciting closing ceremony that celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and passion of all participants. Special recognition was given to teams, players, coaches, and referees who displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the event.
SPU congratulates all the winners for their achievements and extends warm thanks to USSA for their collaboration in hosting a successful and memorable 2024 Football Tournament
