Three students from the Durban University of Technology were chosen to be part of the national female soccer squad for the World University Games which were held in Russia earlier this month (July).

Held in west-central Russia, this year’s games one of the biggest in the history of these games. DUT’s Zama Cele, Charlotte Mshengu and Nkosimphile Zungu were part of only 18 candidates chosen from 40 hopefuls. The three students also play for Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national female football team.

Flying the South African flag in the Russian games, the team managed to make it to the semi finals. “We made it to fourth place and for that, I’m proud. Meeting people from all walks of life (during the games) was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Zungu, a first-year Public Management student.

Fathima Haffajee, Director of Student Services at the PMB campuses said DUT is the only higher education institution in KwaZulu-Natal with players in the country’s national football team.

To Mshengu, a Civil Engineering student, soccer is more than a hobby to her. Her studies however take priority despite her passion for the sport, this because “one injury could ruin her career”. The two other students also echo Mshengu’s sentiments.

Michael Mbatha, DUT Sports Officer, said the Russian games were a great opportunity for the three students to represent South Africa, adding that the experience they got will go a long way in their lives. “I was very happy for them to be selected to the student national team,” he said.

The University assisted the students financially, hoping that this opportunity will encourage other students to work hard in order to attain their dreams.

– Mbali Madlala

Pictured from left: Nkosimphile Zungu, Charlotte Mshengu and Zama Cele, the DUT students who recently flew the SA and DUT flags at the World University Games in Russia.