PUBLISHER: University of the Western Cape Department for Institutional Advancement
PRODUCTION: Kult Creative
PRODUCTION TEAM: Institutional Advancement
DIRECTOR: Professor Anesh Maniraj Singh
UWC SPORT DIRECTOR: Mandla Gagayi
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Gasant Abarder
EDITOR: Myolisi Gophe
COMMISSIONING EDITOR: Nashira Davids
MANAGING EDITOR: Taygon Sass
ART DIRECTOR: Michael Daries
COPY EDITOR: Dave Chambers
CONTRIBUTORS: Ruvan Boshoff, Joshua Hendricks, Lonwabo Marele, John Goliath, Shafiek Mouton, Siphokazi Vuso, Sikhulele Nkomphela, UWC Sports, UWC Media
No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy in preparing the content, both the publisher and UWC assume no responsibility for mistakes or effects arising therefrom. The publisher has made every effort to arrange copyright in accordance with existing legislation.
FROM ‘BUSHIES’ TO ‘CARACALS’ UWC TRANSFORMS ITS IDENTITY
OR DECADES, members of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) community, particularly those involved in sports, have colloquially been referred to as “Bushies”. However, for some, this term carries apartheid connotations, is considered derogatory, and lacks any substance.
WITH THESE CONCERNS IN MIND, the university’s leadership has decided to bid farewell to the old moniker and embrace a fresh identity: the Caracals. This new name draws inspiration from the stealthy wild cat which roams the university’s nature reserve.
MANDLA GAGAYI, UWC’s Director of Sport and a member of the renaming committee, explained: “The caracal’s characteristics mirror those of UWC students and staff — resilient, agile, well-honed and capable of punching above its weight. You will be surprised how a caracal takes down an animal twice its size. Our unique animal is right here on our doorstep, representing what we stand for. Let’s embrace that name.”
GAGAYI NOTED THAT SOME ALUMNI HAVE LONG VOICED CONCERNS about using the term “Bushies” and that the association with this term and their past experiences could be why some are reluctant to participate in university activities. Recognising the need for change, the university initiated a renaming process in 2021 involving various departments and committees.
“THE TERM ‘BUSHIES’ IS NOT EVEN AN OFFICIAL NAME; it’s not part of any institutional policy. It’s simply a term that supporters and individuals adopted. This made it easier for us to navigate the change, as we’re not altering policy but merely shifting the narrative,” Gagayi said.
A THOROUGH CONSULTATION PROCESS ENSUED, with the university community submitting proposed names and motivations. Despite more than 30 suggestions, the name “caracal” emerged consistently, with diverse motivations, yet all aligned with the essence of UWC.
THE UNIVERSITY IS NOW IN THE FINAL STAGES OF PROCURING THE NEW CARACAL MASCOT, complete with graphics that encapsulate the institution's spirit. Gagayi emphasised that this change is crucial for the university’s transformation, which is part of a broader redress process. “We cannot cling to the artefacts of apartheid; they must find a place in the archives or museums while we introduce things that are representative of the current times. This shift represents our commitment
OUR UNIQUE ANIMAL IS RIGHT HERE ON OUR DOORSTEP, REPRESENTING WHAT WE STAND FOR. LET’S EMBRACE THAT NAME.
to moving forward as a formerly disadvantaged university.”
Gagayi also encouraged the university community to embrace the new mascot by incorporating it into various events.
DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT PROFESSOR ANESH SINGH echoed Gagayi’s sentiments and said the name change tells several stories. “It is a name shift but also talks about the uniqueness of UWC as well as the natural fauna and flora we have on campus. UWC is the third greenest campus in Africa.”
PROF SINGH ADDED THAT SYMBOLISM IS IMPORTANT, and imaging the caracal will be more straightforward. “Nobody knew what the Bushie should look like. At least it’s easier with the caracal. Its strength lies in the winning streak. Now, we will shift branding and make it more visible on campus and in the public domain.”
THE GOALS OF
BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS
COLE
COLE SCHOEMAN’S JOURNEY led him from Gelvandale, Gqeberha to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and life as a professional football player. But the 23-year-old still describes himself as “just a basic boy who loves to play and watch sport”.
Despite spending a relatively short time at UWC, Schoeman fondly reminisces about forging friendships, experiencing a conducive learning environment and enjoying enriching experiences. “My journey at UWC wasn’t particularly long but my time there was memorable,” he says. “I made plenty of friends on campus, enjoyed the environment and had a great learning experience. The varsity is a top institution.”
SCHOEMAN PLAYED for Ajax Cape Town, Glendene United and Hout Bay United before signing a professional contract with MM Platinum of Johannesburg – better known as La Masia – who play in the Motsepe Foundation Championship previously known as the National First Division. At Ajax Cape Town, the striker worked with Dutch coach Andries Ulderink and trained with the first team. “The amount of learning I did in that space of time was the best experience,” he says.
HIS FAVOURITE MEMORIES are being called up to the senior squad post-Covid at Ajax Cape Town, winning leagues
with Glendene United and signing his second professional contract with La Masia. However, Schoeman’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He faced homesickness and injuries that tested his resolve, particularly during his time at Ajax Cape Town, where he suffered quadricep and hamstring injuries. “The main thing was coping with being away from home,” he says. “I struggled in the first few months and wasn’t enjoying my football.”
FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND YOUR DREAMS BECAUSE THEY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.
HE PERSEVERED, however, showing resilience in the face of adversity, and at UWC he found a balance between academic pursuits and his passion for football. “It helped me to strike some kind of balance in my life. If you don’t pass at varsity, you don’t play, simple as that,” says Schoeman.
THE EMPHASIS ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE instilled in him a sense of discipline and an ability to prioritise. Studying for a Bachelor of Education and majoring in maths and languages, Schoeman faced academic challenges that required constant dedication.
“A UNIVERSITY LIKE UWC IS SCRIPTED TOWARDS THE STUDENT-ATHLETE. The people are very understanding. I still need to complete my third and final year but it is my mission to complete this degree,” he says. “I would say that I had good time management between varsity and my football. They were both important to me so I always made an effort to prioritise both.”
TO STUDENTS AND ATHLETES ALIKE, Schoeman says: “My advice would be to follow your heart and your dreams because they will never let you down. You can make it work. Just find a way.”
ADDING CARE TO NATURAL HAIR
BY SHAFIEK MOUTON
WHEN IT COMES TO PERFORMING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, looking and feeling good can be an important part of the recipe for success. In the 1980s, American sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner, or Flo Jo as she was affectionately known, didn’t just break records on the track; she set trends and made heads turn with her eclectic styles when it came to hair, nails and clothing.
IN THE MODERN ERA, tennis star Naomi Osaka is at the forefront when it comes to advocating for the marginalised, even when it comes to fashion and hair. “My hair ideas come to life in a way that keeps my hair healthy and growing,” she says. “After training and playing, I need that good feeling. You can rock any hairstyle as long as you’re confident in yourself.”
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC)
ALUMNUS LIESL SMERDON, the owner and founder of Curl Chemistry in Cape Town, encourages athletes to embrace their natural hair. When she
started Curl Chemistry, which is based in Parow, the 32-year-old was looking to create quality products that would help moisturise hair. She struggled when she transitioned to natural hair, and that was when her Curl Activating Cream was born. The product is made with coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and avocado oil, which contribute to healthy hair and amazing results.
FOR WOMEN INVOLVED IN HIGHPERFORMANCE SPORT or those who exercise for recreational purposes, she says: “Athletes can still maintain their natural hair with our products. Especially when they need to cover and protect it. We offer moisture masks, conditioners, sprays and moisturisers
to help maintain hair. Alternatively, they can opt for protective styles like braids to protect their hair.”
SMERDON SAYS HAIR CARE IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WATER SPORTS. “Swimmers, especially, need proper hair care due to pool chemical damage. Our masks and moisturisers will help maintain healthy hair.”
SMERDON STARTED HER BUSINESS IN 2016 when she was studying towards her bachelor of commerce degree at UWC. At the time, Curl Chemistry had only a handful of representatives, no website and just 120 jars of curl activating cream. Today, according to its website, Curl Chemistry has more than 40 representatives nationwide, a user-friendly website, and its products are available in salons around South Africa and online stores.
SO, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ATHLETES TO LOOK GOOD WHILE PERFORMING AT A HIGH LEVEL? Smerdon says: “Confidence is key to success. Great self-esteem and self-worth make us do our jobs better and live our lives to the fullest. Looking good is also a representation of what goes on inside the heart and mind.”
ACADEMICS AND SPORT BALANCING
BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS
LEANDRO DE SOUSA, a Motsepe Foundation Championship (formerly National First Division) footballer with Pretoria Callies, is a testament to the fusion of academic dedication and sporting prowess at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The Capetonian’s journey exemplifies resilience, seizing opportunities and the transformative power of education.
DE SOUSA EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS alongside sporting achievements. “I was taught from a young age to make sure I did well academically as well as on the sports field,” he says. And after graduating with a bachelor of commerce degree, he is now pursuing a postgraduate degree in finance.
HE ACKNOWLEDGES UWC’S ROLE IN SHAPING HIS ACADEMIC AND SPORTING TRAJECTORY.
“Without UWC, I wouldn’t be here today,” he says. “I got my degree, which is the most important thing as it allowed me to get a job in corporate. This allowed me to chase my dreams without having the added pressure of worrying about how much a club would pay me.”
FROM GRASSROOTS CLUBS TO SEMIPROFESSIONAL STINTS with Ajax Cape Town and FN Rangers, De Sousa encountered setbacks and rejections. It was UWC’s sports platforms,
notably Varsity Football and University Sports South Africa, that provided invaluable visibility for his footballing aspirations, and it was through them that Pretoria Callies spotted his talent and catapulted him into the professional football arena.
IN ADDITION TO ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC SUPPORT, De Sousa says UWC gave him a sense of social consciousness and community engagement. One of his favourite moments while playing for the varsity team was scoring the winner in the last minutes of a game against North-West University in 2019. “The goal wasn’t the best but it was really meaningful as it was around the time of the genderbased violence protests and we as a team dedicated that win towards the cause.”
FOR ASPIRING STUDENT ATHLETES AT UWC, De Sousa offers advice on building supportive networks and effective communication with lecturers. He says balancing academics and sport requires meticulous planning and collaboration. “In particular for student athletes at UWC, I would say it is important to build a good network of people who are doing the same modules as you,” he says.
“MOST OF THE TIME WE ARE BUSY AT TRAINING OR TRAVELLING and we do not have time to attend all our lectures and tutorials. This network can help you to keep in the know and give you those tips that you miss when not attending classes. Also, the first thing I do and I recommend all student athletes to do is to communicate with your lecturer. Explain your situation from the beginning so certain provisions can be made throughout the semester.”
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
A HEARTACHE FUELS LONATHEMBA’S AMBITION
BY JOHN GOLIATH
AT THE AGE OF ONLY 21, University of the Western Cape (UWC) defender Lonathemba Mhlongo has had her fair share of football heartache. An injury shortly before the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand meant she missed out on a place in the Banyana Banyana squad. Then she was part of the South African squad that narrowly missed out on qualifying for this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
OVER THE LAST TWO SEASONS she has also been a member of the UWC women’s team that narrowly missed glory in the Hollywoodbets Super League, finishing second behind Mamelodi Sundowns. But these setbacks and near misses haven’t left Mhlongo feeling down. In fact, she is using them as fuel to improve as a footballer and help Banyana and UWC reach new heights.
“I GOT INJURED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP SQUAD WAS ANNOUNCED and I couldn’t finish the camp. I had to come back and see the medical team at UWC, who got me back on the pitch,” she says. “We needed to qualify for the Olympics after missing the previous Games. But we fought hard and I can’t fault the efforts of the players and the coaching staff. It is a big tournament and it’s heartbreaking.
"BUT SUCH DISAPPOINTMENT motivates you to fight for more opportunities in future. It’s my dream to play at a World Cup and Olympics with Banyana. Now we have to target the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and go back-to-back. It’s a big tournament for us and we have to do our best to win.”
MHLONGO MOVED FROM DURBAN IN 2022 TO JOIN UWC as a student athlete. Life in Cape Town has been good so far as she pursues a higher certificate in economics while playing in the heart of the UWC defence. She says she has found the balance that helps her make the best of the opportunities UWC offers.
NOW WE HAVE TO TARGET THE WOMEN’S AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS TITLE AND GO BACK-TO-BACK. IT’S A BIG TOURNAMENT FOR US AND WE HAVE TO DO OUR BEST TO WIN.
“IT’S SOMETIMES HARD, and you need a plan on how to balance the studies with the football,” says Mhlongo. “I wake up, have breakfast and then go to my classes, which start at 9am. My classes finish at about 3pm or 4pm and then I go to training at 4.30pm. It’s not bad and I like the routine. There are also lots of teammates who follow the same sort of day so we try to help each other on and off the field.”
MHLONGO HAS SUCCESSFULLY SWITCHED from being a left-side player at fullback and on the wing to holding her own as centre-back. “I started on the left, but as a defender you must know how to play every position,” she says. “The switch has actually been great for me. It’s a lot less running!”
NIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC)
ATHLETE NAEEM JACK is a generational talent, a kid whose name will soon feature among South Africa and the world’s elite track and field athletes. In March, the 16-yearold reclaimed his SA junior 110m hurdles record, blitzing the field in 13.10 seconds. A seriously good time. And in the senior championships he made the men’s 200m final alongside one of South Africa’s greatest sportsmen, Wayde van Niekerk.
RACE TO THE TOP
BY JOHN GOLIATH
OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS, Jack’s coach – sprint specialist Paul Jacobus – has seen him develop into an athlete for whom the sky’s the limit. “His main event is the 110m hurdles but the hurdles are a bit bigger at senior level and he didn’t train with them. We didn’t want him to get hurt,” says Jacobus.
“HE HELD THE PREVIOUS JUNIOR RECORD but it was broken by another athlete. So he desperately wanted to get it back and ran a very good race to reclaim it. The senior championships were a great experience because they showed him what it’s going to take to compete at the top level and gave him confidence to know he is not far off competing with the best.”
JACOBUS BELIEVES IN THE SAYING THAT “IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD”, which is why a UWC biokineticist will soon join Jack’s team. “A lot of coaches think they have to do everything for the athlete, but I don’t believe that,”
says Jacobus. “For me, a coach must concentrate on what happens on the track. You can’t go into a field such as biokinetics if you’re not qualified. There needs to be a team around a top athlete; one person can’t do everything.”
UWC HAS SOME OF SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP BIOKINETICISTS specialising in injury prevention, mobility training, weighttraining, evaluating bone structure and working out the best course of action when it comes to work in the gym. “Naeem wanted UWC because the experience and know-how is there. The support system needs to be in place to push him to the next level,” says Jacobus.
JACK WAS TOO YOUNG FOR THIS YEAR’S OLYMPICS in Paris and Jacobus says he is targeting the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. But first there’s the small matter of the junior world 110m hurdles record of 12.87 seconds.
Our biggest goal this year is to break the junior world record. We have until the end of the year to try and achieve that.
PAUL JACOBUS, SPRINT SPECIALIST
“OUR END GOAL IS THE 2028 OLYMPICS but for now we are taking everything step by step,” says Jacobus. “Our biggest goal this year is to break the junior world record. We have until the end of the year to try and achieve that. Naeem is also doing online schooling at the moment, which means he needs to be more focused and disciplined, because online schooling and training aren’t jokes!”
MILLION SOUTH AFRICANS live with some form of disability 3.7
PARA SPORTS READY FOR TAKEOFF
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC) has embarked on a renewed journey to further promote para sports and simultaneously improve inclusivity in its community.
AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS INITIATIVE IS SIHLE MAPHUKATHA, chairperson of the UWC Student Sports Council. He says: “We are trying to promote participation in para sport within our community. The UWC recreational programme is the foundation to encourage and promote mass participation in recreational games, and that includes student athletes with disabilities.
“OUR GOAL, ultimately, is to participate at University Sports South Africa level in these para sports, which will definitely speak to the aspect of inclusivity for all in the UWC community. We will only reach these targets once we offer more sporting codes and have students actively participating in these codes.’’
BY SHAFIEK MOUTON
FRANCE, the scene of the Springboks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup victory, is hosting the Paralympic Games in 2024. The programme of 22 sporting codes and 549 events takes place from 28 August to 8 September and is the ultimate goal for athletes with disabilities.
SO, WHAT SPORTS DOES UWC CURRENTLY OFFER TO ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES?
“This drive or campaign is still in its infancy,” says Maphukatha, who has a master’s degree in computer science. “We currently have a few codes that are actively running on campus. That being said, we are hoping to add a few more in the near future.
“AT THE MOMENT we have chess and table tennis, we have partnered with UCT to accommodate our student to join wheelchair racing and wheelchair rugby.
consist
THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND EXERCISE SCIENCE and the DIFFERENTLY ABLED STUDENTS ASSOCIATION are in talks about transporting students to the University of Cape Town (UCT) for training. The recreational programme really speaks to inclusivity as we are proud to say that we include campus staff, security staff and cleaners in our games. We even hosted some of our para athletes at a recent Varsity Cup game just to give them a better feeling and understanding of mainstream sports.’’
THE 31-YEAR-OLD MAPHUKATHA, who hails from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, says UWC Student Sports Council is combining its efforts with the other Cape universities. “We are forming partnerships with the UCT, Stellenbosch and Cape Peninsula University of Technology and have already had a successful workshop,” he says.
“THE AIM is to work closely with universities which have already established para sport programmes. The workshop was attended by all these institutions, the athletes as well as their managers and administrators. This gives an indication as to how serious we are about growing UWC para sport and including student athletes with disabilities.’’
ABOUT 3.7 MILLION SOUTH AFRICANS –6% of the population – live with some form of disability. However, those with disabilities make up less than 1% of the total student population.
EARNS HIS SPURS SIVIWE
BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS
SIVIWE NKWALI, a talented 18-yearold football prodigy from Khayelitsha, recently achieved a significant milestone by signing his first professional contract with DStv Premiership team Cape Town Spurs. But despite his burgeoning football career, Nkwali remains resolute in his commitment to education, embarking on his academic journey as a firstyear student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
NKWALI’S DECISION TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION was influenced by coach Sandile Ndumo, who recognised the importance of balancing athletic prowess with academic excellence. “I was recommended by coach Sandile Ndumo to take up my studies at UWC,” says the centre-back.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS at Mobz Academy at the age of six to joining Ajax Cape Town FC (now Cape Town Spurs) at 12, Nkwali’s football journey has been marked by determination and perseverance. Reflecting on his fondest memory, Nkwali recalled Spurs’ triumph at the under-19 Bayhill Premier Cup in 2022.
“Winning the Bayhill Premier Cup was absolutely epic because it was
my first Bayhill tournament, and the environment around that tournament is unbelievable. It’s my best memory so far,” he says.
DESPITE HIS ACHIEVEMENTS, Nkwali is acutely aware of the challenges faced by young athletes, particularly those from township communities. “There’s a lot of challenges when you live in a township or kasi,” he says, citing issues such as crime, substance abuse and peer pressure.
However, he remains steadfast in his determination to defy the odds and serve as a beacon of hope for his community. “That’s why making it as a professional footballer at Spurs and being a student at UWC is so important because I need to show boys back home that there is life after the environment we come from.”
BALANCING ACADEMIC PURSUITS with the demands of professional football has posed its share of challenges for Nkwali. “It’s been tough because I’m mostly at Ikamva training with Cape Town Spurs, but UWC has a website that makes it easier to do my work,” he says.
DESPITE THE OBSTACLES, Nkwali remains grateful for the knowledge gained at UWC,
acknowledging its role in shaping him into a well-rounded individual. “I have learned a lot of valuable information from UWC in a short time,” he says, emphasising the importance of maintaining a balance between academics and sports.
“MY ADVICE TO ANY STUDENTS AT UWC or other institutions is that they should focus on both school and sport. Anything can happen, so if you fail or get hurt at one of the two, at least you have something to fall back on.”
BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS
CRICKETERS SHINE AT AFRICAN GAMES I
IN AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT for cricket fans at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), its players have once again been recognised on the national stage.
WHEN CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee announced the 15-player men’s and women’s squads to compete in the Twenty20 tournament at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, in March, they included four cricketers from UWC. Bowlers Caitlin Wyngaard and Leah Jones were selected for the women’s team and all-rounders Jesse Prodehl and Lwando Tywaku joined the men’s team.
CSA’S HEAD OF HIGH PERFORMANCE, Grant van Velden, said having T20 cricket in the Africa Games for the first time showed how cricket is growing in the region. The men’s team had university players and the women’s team had South Africa emerging players.
WITH 106 MEDALS – 32 GOLD, 32 SILVER AND 42 BRONZE – South Africa finished third on the medals table behind Egypt (191) and Nigeria (121). Head coach Dinesha Devnarain’s women’s squad won the silver medal in a thrilling final against Zimbabwe. The match went into a super over to determine the winner.
SEAM BOWLER WYNGAARD, a first-year student completing her higher certificate in economic development,
106
MEDALS WON BY SOUTH AFRICA 32 GOLD SILVERBRONZE
32 42
says it was a privilege to represent the country. “I started my career as a cricketer at the age of seven,” she says. “It was an uphill battle, even though I knew at a young age what was expected of me to be a success, which is hard work, dedication and determination. Those are the things that brought me achievements to be thankful for. For others who are looking up to me, stay humble at all times and remember, ‘hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard’.”
TYWAKU SAID even though the men’s team won only one of its three groupstage games, representing the nation displayed the limitless possibilities for promising athletes from all walks of life. “It’s a special honour. It is my first time representing the country. When representing your community, the province and the varsity, everyone looks forward to seeing you play,” he says.
“FOR ME TO COME FROM NYANGA and to be able to play for the country is up there. Being from the township, we are faced with different problems, so this journey motivates us to say nothing is impossible. When the time is right your dream will come true, you just have to keep on working towards it and when it comes, grab it with both hands. This would not be possible without my team at UWC. It was really an honour to go out there and represent the university, my community, the province and the country.”
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, Caitlin Wyngaard, Leah Jones, Jesse Prodehl and Lwando Tywaku
FROM UNIVERSITY RUGBY SUCCESS TO NATIONAL PRIDE VOICE NDOU
BY SIPHOKAZI VUSO
VOICE NDOU, the women’s rugby captain at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), is relishing the team’s maiden participation in the Varsity Cup Women competition after it qualified through the University Sport South Africa championships late last year. And the sport, recreation and exercise science final-year student said she was delighted when the team won its first match.
“WE GOT INTO THE VARSITY CUP IN OUR FIRST GAME against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and we were able to beat them,” says Ndou. “We were ready to show people that we are here and we exist in the university.” Sadly, UWC were knocked out of the competition in the semifinals.
THE WINGER HAS MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF on the local rugby scene since she started playing in 2015. “I got selected to play for the Golden Lions, from under-16s to seniors,” she says. “I then went to UJ and played the first year, then got a full scholarship the following year.”
NDOU’S CAREER RECEIVED A BOOST when she was selected for the Zimbabwean national team, the Lady Cheetahs. “The opportunity really meant a lot as representing the national team means that we are representing each and every girl in Zimbabwe who has a dream of playing rugby on a big platform,” she says.
SHE ALSO PLAYED FOR THE UNIVERSITY SPORT SOUTH AFRICA TEAM in the 2018 International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games in Namibia, and the 2019 FISU Summer World Student Games in Italy.
DESPITE THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, Ndou says her ultimate aspiration was always to don a DHL Western Province jersey. “My dream since I started playing rugby had always been to be a WP player due to the level of rugby I saw the first time I encountered them in 2015 in Oudtshoorn. When I finally got a chance to wear the jersey and play with the best, I was excited. For me, it showed growth and determination to follow my dreams.”
QUALIFYING FOR THE VARSITY CUP WOMEN was a dream come true for the UWC team, says Ndou. “It was moments like qualifying for the Varsity Cup Women that were truly rewarding. That feeling was the best ever. At first we thought that the cutoff age was 23 and I was one of the players on the verge of turning 24, but my goal was clear – to pave the way for our future generation to partake in the history and legacy we are creating for ourselves.
“WE HAD TO ENDURE A LOT OF CHALLENGES as a team and we were sometimes told we are not good enough or we don’t look athletic. But through it all we were able to go unbeaten in the Western Province Super League B and qualified for Super League A. We have proven so much as a team to get to where we are today.”
A STAR ON THE WORLD STAGE
BY LONWABO MARELE
ILLIAN HERMANUS, a student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), is not just about hitting the books – she’s also a star on the hockey field. Playing for Namibia, she’s made quite a name for herself. With 66 caps, Hermanus has represented Namibia’s senior team in 20 outdoor Astroturf matches and in 46 indoor games. She has scored more than 31 goals indoors. At junior level, she earned 15 caps. Hermanus has also played for Western Province at under-21 and senior levels.
HER JOURNEY in the Namibian team started in 2014 when she played in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Africa Youth Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Zambia. Since then, she’s played in places such as Berlin, Spain, Zimbabwe and Durban. And whether it’s in big tournaments like the Indoor Hockey World Cup or tough games against South Africa, Hermanus gives it her all.
“I STARTED PLAYING for the Namibian national senior women’s indoor side at 17, and I would spend most of my time on the bench,” she says.
“After hard work and honest conversations with my coaches, I started to solidify my position in the side. It was only in 2017 when I really became comfortable being in the side when we won the Indoor Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).”
HERMANUS IS NOT JUST GOOD AT HOCKEY; SHE’S A LEADER TOO. During Test matches against South Africa in 2018, she emerged as the leading goalscorer, inspiring her team to victory. She played in the teams that helped Namibia to win the Indoor Afcon three times. She’s also played on big stages such as the FIH Women’s Series Finals, and helps to make sure games are fair as an official.
IN 2023, she represented Namibia in the FIH Indoor World Cup for the second time, showcasing her skills on the international stage. She captained the indoor team to victory at the Nkosi Cup in December, and her participation in the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 tournament further cemented her status as one of Namibia’s top athletes.
BALANCING HER STUDIES towards a master’s in medical bioscience with her passion for hockey hasn’t been easy, but she’s proven time and again that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
“HAVING A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM or creating a good support system will get you wherever you want to go in life,” she says. “And being open with people and asking for help when you need it will go a long way, especially at UWC. The people at UWC, whether they are staff or peers, only want to see you succeed.”
