The rising sporting excellence at Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be on full display as two of its standout netball players, Nkanyezi Makhubela and Nokwanda Zulu, earn selection to represent KwaZulu-Natal’s Kingdom Queens, for the second and third consecutive year, at the prestigious 2026 Telkom Netball League. Set to take place on home ground at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre on DUT’s Steve Biko campus from Friday, 24 April to Saturday, 02 May 2026, the tournament presents a proud moment not only for the athletes but for the entire DUT community.
Their selection is a strong endorsement of DUT’s ongoing commitment to nurturing well-rounded, high-performing students who excel both academically and on the sporting stage. With the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings, Makhubela and Zulu will have the rare opportunity to showcase their talent in front of family, friends and the wider university community, turning the spotlight firmly onto DUT as a hub of sporting talent and ambition.
For Makhubela, who is a third-year student enrolled for a Diploma in Somatology hailing from Glenwood, Durban, this opportunity means everything. She will be making her second appearance in the Telkom Netball League. It is a dream she has had since her first year at university, and this moment carries her sacrifices, tears, patience and the support she has received along the way.
“To be one of the players to represent KZN is deeply emotional because it reminds me how far I have come and how much this opportunity means. It pushes me to play with passion and purpose, knowing that I am representing something bigger than myself. I hope my journey will inspire other young ladies to believe in themselves and that their dreams are valid,” she said.
Makhubela, a fierce defender, joined the DUT Netball team in 2021, and sport has been her life since she was young. She also played basketball and rugby, but netball won her heart. For inspiration she looks up to netball stars Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Karla Pretorius.
These women play netball, more specifically in the same position as me. I genuinely love the way they play, and I have learnt a lot from how they play, she added.
Meanwhile, for Zulu, a Diploma in Public Administration graduand from eNseleni in Richards Bay, this selection marks a powerful comeback. After stepping away from the game to focus on her studies, she returns stronger and ready to lead once again, having previously captained the Kingdom Queens at the Telkom Netball League in 2024. She will be making her third appearance in the Telkom Netball League and is set to graduate in the upcoming DUT Autumn Graduation next month.
“I take this opportunity as my biggest achievement so far this year. I am so excited that the league will be hosted by my university. My family and friends will get a chance to come and see me perform. It is super exciting to be back. I hope my presence can actively contribute to my team’s performance as I am always cheering, encouraging, positive and competitive,” she expressed.
Her journey into sport began in an unexpected way. It started with swimming. However, due to growth-related challenges, she transitioned to netball after being inspired by a housekeeper who introduced her to the game. That spark quickly grew into a lifelong passion.
Their journey is more than just sporting success stories. They are a powerful reminder of what dedication and belief can achieve. From balancing academics and sport to overcoming setbacks, they both embody the spirit of perseverance.
As they step onto the court in the Telkom Netball League, they do not just represent KZN or DUT, but they represent every young woman with a dream.
Pamela Magubane, DUT Netball Coordinator under the Sport Administration unit praised the players for raising the university’s profile. She shared how thrilled everyone at DUT Netball is about the achievement, especially highlighting their return to the team as something truly special. According to Magubane, it reflects not only the players’ dedication but also the consistent effort and support provided behind the scenes by both the unit and the athletes.
Magubane also spoke about how honoured they feel to be hosting the TNL League at DUT. She encouraged supporters to show up in large numbers, grab their tickets, and enjoy the exciting matches while supporting the teams.
Pictured: DUT Netball stars, Nkanyezi Makhubela and Nokwanda Zulu who will be playing for Kingdom Queens at the prestigious 2026 Telkom Netball League at DUT Steve Biko campus.
Photographer: Vukani Langa.
Vukani Langa/Simangele Zuma
