Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom, Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott| 24 October 2025
The University of Pretoria’s TuksSwimming once again proved its dominance in South African university sport as Pieter Coetzé, Kaylene Corbett, and Rocco Meiring emerged as the biggest winners at the 2025 TuksSport Colours & Awards Ceremony held on Friday, 24 October at the UP Rembrandt Hall.
In a glittering evening honouring sporting excellence and commitment, Coetzé was crowned Bestmed Sportsman of the Year, Corbett walked away with the Bestmed Sportswoman of the Year title, and Meiring was recognised as Coach of the Year (Individual Sport). Adding to the triumph, TuksSwimming earned the coveted title of Club of the Year, cementing its status as a powerhouse in South African aquatic sport.
“Performance is far greater than one person, one team, or one entity,” said Steven Ball, Director of TuksSport and Acting CEO of the High Performance Centre (hpc). “Behind every success is a network of dedicated professionals whose tireless efforts create a high-performance environment that allows our athletes to thrive.”
Bestmed Sponsorship and CSI Specialist, Karen Pienaar, echoed this sentiment, noting how Tuks athletes continue to inspire the next generation:
“We are incredibly proud of these athletes. We’ve seen first-hand how sporting excellence motivates young people, especially through initiatives like the DStv Netball Challenge. The athletes you see on TV are inspiring girls and boys across the country to dream bigger.”
Coetzé’s achievements this year have been historic. The psychology student became only the second South African swimmer ever to win three medals at a World Championships, claiming gold in the 100m backstroke, silver in both the 200m and 50m backstroke, and setting multiple African records in the process. His dominance continued at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany, where he secured double gold in the 50m and 100m backstroke events.
“My competitiveness comes from a young age,” Coetzé shared. “I’m not built for training — I’m built for racing. When I race, I’m in a different mindset.”
Kaylene Corbett, who claimed bronze in the 200m breaststroke at the World Championships, said her success was deeply tied to representing her country:
“When I compete internationally, it’s about more than myself. I want to give my best for South Africa. This is something Tatjana [Smith] and I have talked about a lot.”
Meanwhile, Rocco Meiring — the only South African coach to have guided multiple swimmers to World Championship medals — was celebrated for his years of excellence and mentorship. Having also coached Olympic champion and world record holder Tatjana Smith, Meiring humbly reflected on his journey:
“Coaching challenges me — it’s stimulating. There’s no greater satisfaction than seeing my swimmers achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves.”
The awards also honoured Colette Uys, who earned Bestmed Student Sportswoman of the Year after winning bronze in shot put at the FISU World University Games and claiming three medals (two gold, one silver) at the South African Senior Track & Field Championships. Calvin Davis, captain of the Tuks men’s football team and USSA champion, was named Bestmed Student Sportsman of the Year.
In team sports, Lizanne Jacobs was recognised as Coach of the Year (Team Sport) after guiding TuksWomen’s Rugby to both the 2025 FNB Women’s Varsity Cup and USSA Rugby finals, while securing victory in the Women’s Carlton League.
The 2025 TuksSport Awards once again underscored the University of Pretoria’s unwavering commitment to sporting excellence — not only celebrating victories but also honouring the dedication, resilience, and teamwork that define the StripeGeneration spirit.