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The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) men’s goalball team won silver medals at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Goalball Association’s one-day tournament held at the KwaDabeka Community Hall in Clermont.
Both the men’s and women’s teams gained valuable competitive experience against established opponents.
The tournament featured six teams: UKZN, Umbilo Giant Killers (UGK), Durban Sharks, Durban Lions, Richards Bay and Isibani, with the event proving to be an ideal opportunity for players to test their skills, assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.
UKZN’s men opened their campaign with a keenly contested 19-17 victory over Richards Bay, demonstrating determination and composure under pressure. They faced Umbilo Giant Killers in the final but lost 11-1, finishing as runners-up.
The women’s team also faced Richards Bay in its opening match, losing 13-7 and exiting the competition. Despite the result, the match offered valuable lessons to help the players strengthen their preparation for future tournaments.
Coach, Mr Derrick Munyai, praised both teams for their commitment and determination. “I am proud of both teams for their commitment and determination. The men demonstrated excellent tactics to secure silver medals, while the women gained valuable experience. We will continue working hard in training to improve our performance and prepare for future competitions,” said Munyai.
UKZN Academic and Team Manager, Dr Khumbuzile Khumalo, commended the men’s tactical performance and encouraged the women to approach future matches with confidence.
“The women are talented players with exciting potential, and I encourage them to trust their abilities and apply what they learn during training. If they remain calm and focused during matches, they can perform well and win games,” Khumalo said.
She added that the men’s silver-medal achievement reflected their progress, although further improvement remained necessary. She hoped more students would participate in goalball at UKZN in 2027.
The Clermont tournament builds on UKZN’s experience at the national goalball tournament hosted by North-West University earlier in October, where the teams competed against more experienced opponents. These competitions have highlighted the importance of accurate throwing, effective communication, strong defensive positioning and tactical awareness.
Goalball is a team sport designed for athletes with visual impairments. Players rely on hearing, concentration and spatial awareness to locate the ball, defend their goal and organise attacks.
The experience gained at Clermont will help the players and coaching team refine training programmes and prepare more strategically for future competitions. Continued participation is also important in developing disability sport and expanding opportunities for students with visual impairments.
Khumalo thanked University management; Head of Sport, Mr Zwelithethindaba Sapula; Disability Support Unit Line Manager, Mr Amith Ramballie; Sports Officer, Ms Nosipho Tenza; Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences department’s, Professor Rowena Naidoo; and students with disabilities for their continued support.
The team hopes for increased support in 2027 to address challenges encountered during the year, strengthen preparation and improve future results. Khumalo also wished UKZN students well as they prepare for the November 2026 examinations, encouraging them to remain focused and strive for success in their academic and sporting pursuits.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied