As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Football Club playmaker Sbonelo Ngidi, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.

Name :  Sbonelo Ngidi

Place of birth: KwaNdengezi (Pitoli)

Sport code: Football

Position: Midfielder

Qualification: Business Administration

Q:  When did you join the DUT Sport Team?

A: “ I joined in 2023.”

Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?

A: “The first time I kicked the ball I fell in love with it.”

Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?

A: “⁠I play the position which is called number 8 in modern football, it links the defence with the attackers when we have the ball and helps the defence when defending, same goes with attackers when attacking.”

Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?

A “Rugby, I used to play it in high school but I didn’t take it that serious. I’m interested in it because our national team (Springboks) are doing very well and showing the world that we are cable.”

Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?

A: “The ENGEN tournament (U18s).”

Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?

A: “It’s important for the institution so that the student recruitment can be easy. If DUT  does well in sports, it is most likely that every student in high school will want to come to DUT.”

Q: Who is your sport role model and why?

A: “⁠Velemseni Ndwandwe, he’s disciplined in and off the field that’s why I look up to him and there’s more that I learn from him since he’s also my mentor.”

Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?

A: “Respect is the one I value the most because I believe respect takes you far as a person not just in sport but even in life. You first give respect in order to earn respect.”

Q: Do you see a future in football?

A: Yes, I do see a future in this sport and everything is going well for me even though it’s challenging and there are hardships but I’m willing to give it my all so that my future can be bright.”

Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?

A: “⁠I try to advise the youth in my community to also take academics serious as they like sports a lot and I motivate them to always strive for the best in their academics.”

Q: What impact has sport made on your life?

A: “⁠I’ll be forever grateful for the sport because I am who I am today because of football. I’ve learnt everything in life with a ball in my feet, I didn’t have time to do bad things because I always had school during the day and training in the afternoons so there was no free time for bad influences.”

Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?

A: “⁠I think doing more activations on campuses maybe once a week to engage more with our fans/colleagues so they can be motivated to watch us because hey would have gotten a chance to know us in person unlike supporting someone that you’ve never even seen before.”