RITUALS AND TRADITIONS IN NWU SPORT

Miné Fourie

@mine.fouriee

 

Pre-game rituals and traditions have become an essential part of sport, helping athletes mentally and physically prepare for competition. Whether it’s a quiet moment of visualisation, a shared team tradition, or a specific mindset, these routines can play a powerful role in performance. Across different sports codes at North-West University (NWU), athletes rely on unique habits to build focus, confidence and unity before stepping onto the field or court.

 

Young Gun rugby player Liebrecht Winterbach shares a structured routine that he and his teammates follow before a match. Each player first spends time alone on the field, imagining how they want the game to unfold and how they plan to perform. An hour before kickoff, the team get dressed in silence – without music and without checking social media – to eliminate distractions and sharpen their focus. They then review game strategies to ensure everyone understands their role and responsibilities. During the warm-up, players are encouraged to be talkative and energetic, helping to reduce stress and boost morale. However, once the warm-up ends, the mood shifts to a more serious tone as players mentally prepare for the importance of the match. Some also choose to pray or quietly visualise their performance.

 

Rituals are not limited to rugby. According to second-year NWU hockey player Wian du Plooy, one of the most meaningful traditions in his team happens just before the game begins. The players huddle together and place their left foot over the right foot of the teammate next to them. This simple but symbolic act represents unity, mutual support and a shared commitment to give their best on the field.

 

For NWU tennis player Lienke Badenhorst, who was part of the team that won the University Sport South Africa tennis tournament in December 2025, motivation came in the form of a single word: tenacity. Throughout the tournament week, this word served as a constant reminder of the persistence and determination needed to achieve their goal. By centring their mindset around this idea, the team were able to stay focused and driven under pressure.

 

Although these rituals differ from sport to sport, they all serve a similar purpose. Pre-game traditions help athletes manage nerves, build confidence and strengthen team cohesion. They create a sense of control in what can often be a high-pressure and unpredictable environment. Whether it’s silence before kickoff, a symbolic team gesture, or a shared word of motivation, these routines allow athletes to enter competition feeling prepared and united.

 

Ultimately, pre-game rituals are more than just habits – they are a reflection of how athletes connect with their sport, their teammates and themselves. In those final moments before competition begins, these traditions can make all the difference, turning nerves into focus and individuals into a team ready to perform at their best.

 

The New Zealand rugby team after a rugby match in their locker room (Source: New Zealand Herald). 

The NWU Eagles during halftime in a rugby match (Source: Varsity Cup).

 

Edited by Isabel Burgers