The Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly congratulates third year Diploma in Business and Information Management student Nhlakanipho Ngwenya on signing with Betway Premiership club TS Galaxy FC, marking another proud milestone for both the student and the University’s football programme.
The talented winger was officially announced by TS Galaxy FC on 18 July 2026 as one of the club’s new signings ahead of the 2026/27 season, becoming the latest DUT student athlete to progress to the professional ranks.
Ngwenya’s football journey at DUT began in 2024 when the Mayflower, Mpumalanga, native impressed coaches during the University’s Freshers Cup, earning his place in the DUT Men’s Football team. He quickly established himself as one of the team’s standout performers during the University’s historic debut season in the Varsity Football tournament.
He etched his name into DUT’s sporting history by scoring the University’s first ever Varsity Football goals, including a memorable equaliser against defending champions Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). His performances throughout the campaign showcased his attacking flair, technical ability and composure in front of goal.
Beyond Varsity Football, Ngwenya also played an instrumental role in helping Upton Residence win the 2024 DUT Residence League title, highlighting the strength of the University’s residence sport programme in identifying and developing talented student athletes.
In an interview during DUT’s inaugural Varsity Football campaign in 2024, Ngwenya spoke openly about his ambition of becoming a professional footballer.
“Given a chance to choose between anything and football, I will always choose football and I’m one of the players hoping to get a professional contract after the tournament,” he said.
Two years later, that ambition has become a reality.
Following the announcement of his signing, Ngwenya expressed his gratitude for reaching one of the biggest milestones of his football career.
“It feels like a dream coming true. Those who know me know how long I’ve been longing to play in the Betway Premiership. Thanks to the Man above and the Chairman of TS Galaxy for believing in me,” he said.
His journey has seen him progress from DUT FC to Durban City FC before securing his move to TS Galaxy FC, demonstrating the opportunities that university sport can create for aspiring professional athletes.
Ngwenya’s achievement reflects DUT’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to excel both academically and on the sporting field. His progression from the DUT Residence League to Varsity Football and now the Betway Premiership demonstrates how the University’s sporting programmes continue to provide a pathway for talented student athletes to compete at the highest level.
The DUT community congratulates Nhlakanipho Ngwenya on this outstanding achievement and wishes him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter with TS Galaxy FC while continuing his academic journey at the University.
Tiyani Mboweni
