SIVIWE EARNS HIS SPURS

BY JOSHUA HENDRICKS

SIVIWE NKWALI, a talented 18-year old 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.”