University of Johannesburg trio bag recognitions contributing to Team SA’s medal collection in China
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) trio, Tsebo Matsoso, Joviale Mbisha and Nhlanhla Maseko added four medals to South Africa’s total 20 medals in the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China. Speedster Matsoso won a gold medal in the men’s 200m sprint and a bronze medal in the men’s 4x400m relay team.
Mbisha was the only UJ woman to win a bronze medal in the women’s 4x400m relay team (with the time of 44.36 seonds), while Maseko also represented the country well in the men’s 4x400m relay team that won a bronze medal.
Team South Africa managed to reach their target after winning a total of 20 medals; including 2 gold, 11 silver and 7 bronze medals. The competition took place from 28 to 8 August 2023.
Excited over winning one of the only two gold medal in the FISU World World University Games, Matsoso said, “I am proud to have represented our country and the University of Johannesburg in the World University Games, and even more proud to have brought back a gold medal.
I went through the rounds fairly comfortably, which boosted my confidence heading into the final. Even though the execution of my final race didn’t go as planned , I got the title so I can’t complain,” said Matsoso.
He added, “As you may already know. The Olympic Games are in Paris, France, next year. The World University Games have given me a lot of inspiration to go back on the track guns blazing next season. I closed the season on a very good note, I can’t wait to build for next season.”
UJ had a total of fifteen people representing Team SA; made up of nine (9) travelling student-athletes, three (3) non-travelling student-athletes and two (2) managers and a medical staff member. The World University Games featured student-athletes across the world, competing in different sporting codes such as swimming, track and field athletics, archery, basketball, rowing, hammer throw, discus, and artistic gymnastics, among other sports.
Competing under the banner of University Sport South Africa, the South African team finished as at the No. 1 spot on the African continent in the FISU World University Games.
Team SA arrived back in South Africa is separate groups between Wednesday, 9 and Friday, 11 August 2023.