Mr Ziyanda Ndlovu (front) with his fellow UKZN soccer team mates.UKZN student Mr Ziyanda Goodenough Ndlovu’s love for soccer began at a very young age and his talent for the sport started manifesting itself when he was in Grade 4, playing for his school’s team.
In Grade 6, he joined the Izichwe soccer club where he met up with coach, Mr Thabo Dladla.
Ndlovu went on to play for the Alexander High School soccer team, competing in many tournaments.
Last year he was selected for the KZN U19 soccer squad which resulted in him being awarded a UKZN Sports Scholarship.
Ndlovu registered for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree this year with majors in Hydrology and Soil Science.
‘This scholarship has been a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to follow my dream of playing soccer for the UKZN team and to undertake a BSc degree,’ said Ndlovu, who hopes one day to captain the UKZN team in the Varsity Cup tournament.
Coach Dladla said: ‘I have coached Ziyanda for the past seven years and have found him to be a level-headed young man who is mature beyond his age. He never misses training and still manages to perform well academically.’
His father, Colin Ndlovu said: ‘Ziyanda has been playing soccer since the age of four. We nicknamed him “Steve” after the great Orlando Pirates player Steve Lekoelea. Ziyanda has always shown commitment and dedication. I am extremely grateful that the University has rewarded him with this significant scholarship proving that hard work doesn’t often go unnoticed.’
Ziyanda’s advice to upcoming soccer players: ‘Remember that an educated sportsman is better than an uneducated one.’