Emeris Students Receive Send-Off Ahead Of 2026 USSA Championships

Eighty nine Emeris students from KwaZulu-Natal represented the tertiary institution at the 2026 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Championships after a recent celebratory send off by staff, coaches and fellow students.

The championships took place from 29 June to 3 July, with Emeris men’s and women’s teams competing in basketball, hockey, netball, rugby and squash at universities across South Africa.

Cathy Durholz (Deputy Campus Head at Emeris Durban North) congratulated the students on earning their place in the teams, acknowledging the commitment required to balance their studies with training and competition.

"You have all put in a great deal of hard work and sacrifice leading up to USSA while juggling your academics and sport. A big thank you to the managers, coaches, sports co-ordinators, student support teams and staff for helping our students get to where they are today. We know you're going to do us exceptionally proud," she said.

During the send-off, Emeris hockey head coaches Calvin Price and Brent Phillips, rugby head coaches Jeremy McLaren and Mthabiso Luthuli, together with the men's and women's team captains, shared words of encouragement ahead of the championships.

"I know we're competing against some big universities, but it's exciting for us as Emeris to be up there. It's important to leave a legacy," said Price.

For the Emeris women's rugby team, the championships carry added significance, with Assistant Coach Jolene Pote saying the USSA tournament provides an opportunity for the team to be promoted to the FNB Varsity Cup.

The teams departed during the weekend to compete against universities from across the country, with Emeris hoping to build on its growing reputation in university sport.