[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The final showdown of the 2022 Varsity Cup tournament featured four University of Johannesburg (UJ) cheerleading students at the Danie Craven Stadium in the clash between FNB University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) and FNB Stellenbosch University (Maties) on 25 April 2022.
Lerato Motsoahole, Onkemetse Nkhumise, Sandra Vitus and Candy Kortjass (the UJ Captain) were selected to be part of the final match due to their dance skills, ability to pick up the routine quickly and track record in training. Their choreography included other cheerleading students from Wits University, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and Stellenbosch University (Maties).
“The overall experience was truly spectacular. It was a lot of work trying to collaborate with different personalities and teams, but we all made it work. Traveling for cheer has always been a dream for many people before me, so to be here representing UJ is a blessing,” says Candy Kortjass, a final-year UJ student who joined the UJ Cheer group in 2018.
It was Motsoahole’s first time traveling to Cape Town and the third-year BA Psychology student says she loved the experience.“I learned that cheer has different variations of style from your contemporary dancing style to the single base stunts. All these different styles blend in together perfectly. I also learned a couple of new things which I believe will be a great addition to the already amazing UJ Cheer squad,” adds Motsoahole.
The ladies were cheerleaders in their respective high schools and are thrilled that UJ Cheer gave them an opportunity to continue doing what they love.
According to Vitus, one of the lessons she has learned in participating in the final match of the 20222 Varsity Cup tournament was patience. The BCom Economics and Econometrics student says it took patience to learn all the dance routines and perform as a team.
“UJ Sport was very proud to be able to send their cheerleaders down to Cape Town for this prestigious event. These ladies were great ambassadors for our University and for UJ sport. This was a great opportunity for them, and we look forward to more opportunities like this in the future.” says Niamh Faherty, Events and Marketing Manager at UJ Sport.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
