CPUT NETBALL TEAM MANAGER

Aviwe Magudu

I am Aviwe Magudu, completing my Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at CPUT. I am currently serving as the Team Manager for CPUT Netball where I perform technical official duties and other assigned duties.

I am passionate about netball. My journey with netball started in the villages, in a small town called Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. Little did I know that playing the sport at age 7 in primary school was my gateway to a greater journey ahead of making the CPUT netball team and beyond. I joined CPUT netball as a player while staying at res and from sheer determination and dedication to the sport, I landed the role of CPUT Residence Netball Coordinator across all campuses. I really enjoyed this role for its positive impact on student life. I knew I was part of a team that was adding real value in helping students refrain from drug and alcohol abuse and promoting improved mental health where students could cope better with depression and other mental health issues as we engaged them in sports.

Similarly, to the students, we were helping, I used netball as an escape whenever I felt overwhelmed by my studies. Even as an undergrad Mechanical Engineering student at the time, I found my course quite challenging (well it still is at master’s level), and netball helped me maintain balance, find my sense of calm, and refocus. Fast forward to 2019, I was a volunteer Netball coach for CPUT Bellville campus, and I was selected as part of the Technical Officials for Provincials and Nationals. In 2020 I was selected to be the technical official for U21 Finals in the South African (S.A) Spar National Netball championships held in Cape Town where matches were televised live on SuperSport. I felt truly honoured.

Furthermore, this year I was again selected to be the technical official for Under 21A representing Western Province in the S.A

Spar National Netball Tournament held in Potchefstroom, North West. This was a milestone for me, and the event was even more special because it was held during woman’s month. On Women’s Day, Netball South Africa (NSA) did a South African flag reveal for the 2023 Netball World Cup. I felt emotional and excited all at once, to have witnessed and been part of such a historic moment in South African Netball. I look forward to South Africa hosting the World Cup next year with great anticipation, especially to the contribution I will be making as part of CPUT, Western Province, NSA, and the nation.

My journey in netball is a testament to the fact that indeed when preparation meets opportunity, resounding success can be achieved.