The University of Johannesburg (UJ) sport clubs have started to assemble their squads for the upcoming University Sport South Africa (USSA) national championships, scheduled to take place across the country from 28 June to 3 July 2026. Five sporting codes – Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, and Squash – are entering the tournaments with strong track records and several titles to defend.
Netball and Rugby squads target title defences
The UJ netball and rugby contingents travel with high expectations based on their recent championship dominance. The Senior Men’s and Women’s Netball teams will compete at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein, both entering as defending champions following historic maiden titles in 2025. The Men’s Netball team looks to replicate an undefeated 2025 run that culminated in a 40-36 final victory over UP-Tuks, while the Women’s Netball team aims to protect their crown after a thrilling 42-41 final win against UFS Kovsies.
In rugby, the Senior Women’s Team heads to Gqeberha to defend their championship title after an unbeaten campaign last season, which included a decisive 45-19 victory against UP-Tuks in the final. Conversely, the Senior Men’s Rugby Team travels to the same venue looking to build momentum after successfully avoiding relegation last year with a 54-14 playoff victory over IIE Varsity College.
Basketball, Squash, and Hockey Set for national action
UJ’s remaining sporting codes are equally primed for success. The Men’s 3×3 Basketball team, the “UJ Orange Wave,” will compete locally at Wits University as they chase a fourth consecutive national title, building on their 21-18 final win over UP-Tuks last year. The women’s basketball team, the UJ Galaxy, aims to upgrade their previous silver medal performance.
“Both the Basketball and Hocket Club teams have been working hard in their respective training programmes and recent leagues. The Senior Men’s 3×3 Basketball team is expected to defend title and the ladies will be aiming to reach the final again and win it this year,” says Elize Le Roux, Manager: UJ Basketball and Hockey Clubs.
The hockey Senior Men’s Hockey Team is aiming for the final after finishing in 3rd place last year, while their female counterparts will be aiming for a podium finish following their 5th place in 2025. All teams are in good spirits; they’re currently writing exams, but as soon as they finish writing, they will all be back in camps.
Meanwhile, the Hockey and Squash teams will travel to Stellenbosch. The squash contingent enters the tournament on the heels of a strong prior showing, which featured an individual gold medal for Georgia Dates in the women’s B section, a silver for Luke Jacoby in the men’s A section, and a bronze for Diodivine Mkhize.
“The team is looking forward to participating at the USSA Squash Championship. We’re very excited that we will be seeing some of our new recruits take to the court for the first time. Our senior players, like Diodivine Mkhize and Luke Jacoby, want to qualify for the international FISU Squash tournament later. We go into this championship with our newly appointed Head Coach, Olance Mkhize, after a thorough training programme,” says Joel Kgokong, Manager, UJ Squash Club.
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