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 Netball Hurricanes Skipper Nkosinathi Mngomezulu, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Nkosinathi Mngomezulu
Place of birth: Johannesburg
Sport code: Netball
Position: Goal Scorer
Qualification: Diploma in Civil Engineering
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined the university team in 2020.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “My interest in this type of sport was sparked by the Males-netball which was new in the institution. During my first year I was asked to participate in this sport due to my height. From that moment, I loved it and played it ever since.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I’m a shooter and my second position is goalkeeper. I help my team by scoring the goals, allowing our team to win on high intensity.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A “I am interested in athletics and soccer. In primary school I was in the athletics team. Originally, I was a 100m/150m sprinter. In high school, I then joined the soccer team playing as a central defender simply because of my height, sprinting and toughness.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “In the 2022 National Championships in Upington where I was selected for the under 23 National team.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “It is vital to develop students in sports, especially for the improvement of students in athletics. There can be a better connection of students and inclusion with all genders. Sports is a vital aspect of life as bigger teams are scouting from varsities. This gives students an opportunity to play professionally.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “Lionel Messi is my sport inspiration because he is a playmaker, a leader and he literally never gives up.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Transparency, respect and accountability. This values go a long way in surviving harsh realities. Respecting one another is vital and represents progressive communication, and taking accountability builds trust and respect among players.”
Q: Do you see a future in netball?
A: “Most definitely, I do see a future in netball. Males netball means there is a massive opportunity to continuously improve and play at the national level.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, show does your role benefit your community?
A: “Playing netball has been a privilege to me. It has allowed me to coach at schools. Everything that I have learnt in netball has directly impacted the school greatly. We have won several matches and their performances showed improvement. I also have a brother who loves netball and I have been teaching him.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “After losing my father, I fell into a different world of addiction. Sport has drastically improved my life as I was always attending netball sessions. This allowed me to focus and build more friends in this sport code. These connections have brought me here to play netball at DUT.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “Promoting varsity sport not only on social media but also radio and television. By also running campaigns, these will bring more spectators, especially those who are not students.”
