As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates who will participate productively in the development of the region, the country, and the world. Through sport, the University continues to nurture discipline, leadership, teamwork, and holistic student development.
S’bonelo Dlamini, a member of the DUT Communications team, recently engaged with DUT football coach Thando Mdolo, who graduated with a Bachelor of Sport Science and Management at the 2026 DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony, to share his journey in sport, his passion for football conditioning, and how he lives the DUT Living Values through his involvement in varsity sport.
Name: Thando Mdolo
Place of Birth: Flagstaff, Sipaqeni
Sport Code: Football
Q: When did you become part of the DUT soccer team?
A: “In 2025, as a volunteer conditioning coach.”
Q: What sparked your interest in the DUT football team?
A: “I have always had a great interest in sports fitness, and football was specifically my choice because I grew up playing it mostly.”
Q: In terms of the role you play as a soccer junior coach, kindly elaborate on what it entails and how it benefits the players within your team?
A: “Being a junior conditioning coach involves ensuring that players meet the required competitive standards for all competitions, managing their fitness levels, and progressively enhancing their performance levels while minimising the risk of injuries.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Rugby, because of the unique differences in fitness levels, mainly according to the positions players occupy on the field. That’s interesting to me.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I was a junior conditioner as part of the USSA tournament in December 2025.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “It leads to a holistic student development path. Sport builds life skills that complement academics, including discipline, time management, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and accountability. That translates directly to employability and academic performance.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “Coach Sanele SD Dlamini. This is because of the level at which he is coaching and conditioning, and having worked closely with him has taught me a lot about conditioning.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Accountability and Professionalism. This programme promotes a healthy lifestyle amongst all students, encouraging them to be disciplined and well-mannered.”
Q: Do you see a future as a football coach?
A: “Yes, as a football conditioning coach.”
Q: What impact has football made on your life?
A: “It has helped me a lot to improve my confidence, communication, and time management.”
Q: Having recently graduated at the 2026 DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony; how does it feel to achieve this milestone while also reflecting on your journey through sport and your development within DUT?
A: “It is a very fulfilling and emotional moment for me. Graduating at DUT while being involved in sport has been a rewarding journey that shaped me both personally and professionally. It has taught me discipline, consistency, and resilience, and I am proud to see how everything has come together at this milestone.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “Sportswear giveaways, such as T-shirts, have always been a major attraction for spectators.”
