Mind Sports South Africa’s Student Team Esports South Africa arrived home safely from Russia on Monday, 19 September 2022. While there were critics who voiced their opinion that South Africa should not have sent a team to Russia, MSSA’s Board took the view that it was an important championship in which to compete as Team Esports South Africa would be able to gain valuable international experience. Certainly facing the mighty CSGO and DotA 2 teams of Serbia, Russia and Khazakstan at first saw Team Esports South Africa overwhelmed, but such was the character and resilience of the South African team that the team members upped their games in subsequent games.

Simon Zandstra, captain of the CSGO team said of the experience, “It was a very good experience all round. Overall everyone had a rough time being introduced to international gaming as the standard is much  higher than what is found in South Africa.”   Suhail Khan, captain of the DotA 2 team said of the experience, “This was a worthwhile experience. This was the first time that a number of our players had participated in a first class international event.

MSSA’s Student Team Eaports South Africa punched way above its weight in Russia.

The hotel, hosts (Russian Esports Federation – ReSF), championships, and other players were absolutely amazing.” Sebastian continued to add, “The event has helped the entire South African team to grow and develop. This event will long be remembered as a watershed in terms of the improved standard of South African esports”. Colin Webster, MSSA President, stated, “The team did South Africa proud. All of the team members are a credit to the country and I am sure all will grow in stature, experience, and skill as time goes on.”