UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support at the FISU send-off at UWC’s Main Campus in Bellville. Image: Shelley ChristiansFive representatives from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will be flying the University’s flag high in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, as part of TeamSA at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) from 16 to 27 July.
The team includes two student athletes, Kyle Zinn and Talita Memani. The three UWC staff members in the South African delegation will be offering logistical, academic, and administrative support to ensure Team SA functions smoothly during the competition. They include physiotherapists Brent Hess and Nontobeko Yalunga, and Skhu Nkompela, who was appointed as the head of media for TeamSA.
The FISU Summer World University Games in Germany will see about 8500 student-athletes and 100 officials compete for medals in 18 sports, including archery, artistic gymnastics, athletics, badminton, basketball, diving and water polo. And for the first time at the FISU Summer World University Games, 3x3 wheelchair basketball will be part of the programme.
The UWC team was officially sent off during a celebratory event held at UWC on 8 July, where members of the University community gathered to show their support. At the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, Prof Matete Madiba, applauded the determination of athletes to compete at such a level.
“UWC enjoys a very special privilege. You know, there is a sense of excellence when it comes to sports. And this we don't have to fake. We don't have to flatter ourselves. We don't have to dig deep. The evidence is out there. We are one university that is so blessed — when it comes to athletics and sport, we are really grounded, firmly established,” said Prof Madiba.
UWC staff at the official send-off for the FISU games in the Rector’s Dining Room. Image: Shelley ChristiansRising star Kyle Zinn will compete in the Men’s 100m. His season has been nothing short of spectacular, with highlights that include:
- Silver in the 100m at the 2025 USSA Championships
- Gold in the 200m at the 2025 USSA Championships
- Gold in the 100m at the SAU23 Championships
- Silver in the 100m Western Province Senior Championships
- Gold in the 100m Western Province Junior Championships
- A personal best of 10.18 seconds
“Obviously, I would want to win, but I’m more aiming at just improving myself, just getting better times,” said Zinn, a first-year BA Admin student. “If I can get any of my times to improve, I’d be over the moon. The ultimate goal is to run a sub-10 — that’s the big, big goal.”
In the lead up to the games, he has been immersed in rigorous training and vowed to continue with the hard work until “that final whistle”.
Talita Memani is set to debut on the international stage in 3x3 Women’s Basketball. The 23-year-old is the first female basketball player to represent South Africa at the competition.
“I feel so proud of myself. This is a huge opportunity for me to represent Team SA — and it’s my first time going overseas! I’m looking forward to playing against other countries and flying the flag,” said the second-year Sports Science student who began her sporting journey as a netball player. But eventually she fell “in love with basketball”.
Talita Memani and Kyle Zinn at the UWC Sport Stadium. Image: Shelley ChristiansWhile UWC Director of Sport Elmien Cloete is not travelling to Germany, she shared heartfelt words of encouragement with the team at the send-off.
“Whether as an athlete — I was fortunate enough to represent UWC in my days, not giving away my age! — or as a coach or team manager, every experience at FISU was different, but always special,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity… it is just below Olympic level. The organisational level, the competition level — it is top-notch. You’ll most probably compete against Olympians as well. So please do enjoy yourself, and congratulations once again!”
