As 2025 draws to a close, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to each of you, our staff. coaches, support staff, student-athletes, partners and our communities, for your extraordinary contribution to another impactful year of Maties Sport.

This year, once again, we witnessed unforgettable moments of excellence and resilience across our programmes. From making history at the USSA Championships and celebrating our rugby legacy during the 150-year commemorative events, to hosting high-profile events and fixtures and investing in strategic initiatives, we all truly embodied the Maroon Machine spirit.

We also deepened our commitment in areas such as sport code management advancement, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting (MERL), fundraising, leadership development programmes, international relations and research for impact, gaining recognition locally and abroad. Our academic support systems, holistic performance interventions, and athlete well-being initiatives continued to place our students first, on and off the field.

These achievements represent collective passion, discipline, and teamwork, core values that define us.

As we head into the festive season, I encourage you to pause, rest, and reconnect. May this break bring peace, joy, and energy for what promises to be an exciting 2026.

Thank you once again. Best wishes to you and your loved ones!

#MaroonMachine greetings.