HAPPY CHAPPY

As Facility Supervisor and Transport Coordinator Colin Kensley celebrates 33 years with UWC, his colleagues pay tribute to a friendly, spirited man

By Thulani Mkosi | Photography: Skhu Nkomphela

Based on the sterling work he has been doing for more than two decades, and the high esteem his colleagues and student-athletes hold him in, Colin Kensley is the glue that keeps UWC Sport Administration ticking, albeit in the background.

Although he is employed as a facility supervisor, Kensley’s job has been much more. He is also involved in the maintenance of the sport fields and buildings around the University Sport precinct.

Yet, he says, that’s not the only thing that makes him jump out of bed every day to go to work. “The students are my joy and seeing them playing their sports and graduating makes me happy,” he says with a smile.

Uncle Colin, as he’s affectionately called by students, joined UWC in June 1988 as a carpentry assistant before he qualified as a locksmith four years later. In September 2000, he was transferred to UWC Sport after a long process of having to be reinterviewed as

a facility supervisor. While employed at the stadium, he studied Turf Grass Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). He also did a Facility Management course at the University of Pretoria.

As part of his duties as transport coordinator, he ensures athletes are safe enroute to matches and tours outside of the Western Cape, and that they return home safely after training sessions and matches closer to home. “I’ve done many trips for different sporting codes

HIGH PRAISE

The general feeling amongst Kensley’s colleagues is that he is an essential, selfless team member who has built great relationships with the people he works with. He is clearly a valued colleague whose professional and life experience has kept him at UWC for a long time. And just as he has praise for them, they share the same sentiments about him, too.

“I always look forward to meeting him every day because of his positive energy. With him in your corner, things can barely go wrong.”

– Mandla Gagayi, UWC Sport Director

“My fondest memory of Uncle Colin was at the 2012 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Athletics Championship at the University of Johannesburg. I was nervous as this was my debut senior championship final and as I lined up towards my block, I heard Uncle Colin shout, ‘Come on, Roddy, you got this! Easy stuff for you, you are ready.’ Hearing that meant everything to me.”

– Rodwell Ndlovu, former athlete and current UWC eSport Coordinator

“I always appreciated how he is readily available to lend an ear and help solve any problem. He always has something constructive to say and offers support and encouragement with a tireless spirit. Working with him for the past few years has been an immense pleasure.”

– Hassan Sobekwa, Sports Administrator

“I grew up in front of Pops, as I call him, as a studentathlete and later as a colleague, and we have grown very close over the years. There’s just so much you can learn from him as a man, as a father and as a colleague. Guys like that are hard to find so when you’re in their presence, you should just observe and learn life lessons. Overall, a very good guy and an important person to UWC Sport.”

– Clement Trout, UWC Sport Manager: Rugby

but my highlights have been cricket, netball and volleyball. They were all life-changing experiences as each code was different on tournaments. One that stands out has been netball as I’ve had to be a scorekeeper and a father figure to all.”

There’s plenty of praise reserved for all of those who played and continue to play a role in Kensley’s career. “My colleagues, drivers, the ground staff, administrators, technical services, contractors and, of course, our director. With this team, work became easier.”

Being the wise man he is, he hasn’t forgotten to include his wife. “My wife Natasha and sons, Reece and Jason, stand out in my career as they stood by me during my time spent at work and being away while on duty at tournaments.

“Now, my main aim is to stay healthy and see a few more facilities — such as the Astroturf and indoor centre — being built before I retire. After 33 years at the University, I am still enjoying every minute of it,” he concludes.