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 Communications’ editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Women Football Club’s Skipper, Ongeziwe Masango to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
NAME : Ongeziwe Masango
PLACE OF BIRTH : Durban
SPORT CODE : Football
POSITION : Right back
QUALIFICATION : BHsc In Clinical Technology
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “In 2022.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “It is the love I have for football.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I am a defender and play the position of a right back. This is a very demanding position that is meant to protect the team from conceding goals.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Netball because I have tried it before and I really enjoyed it.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have participated in the Varsity Football and USSA Championship.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “Sports is one way a person can relieve stress, stay healthy and make good relationships with other people. I believe sports can bring people together and a lot.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “Lebohang Ramalepe, she plays as a right back in the team Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s football team, I look up to her because I love the way she plays and she is one of the top defenders I know.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Respect, fairness and excellence. Football will teach you how to respect other people to be respected.”
Q: Do you see a future in this football?
A: “Yes, although it’s not my first preference but if an opportunity avails itself then I would definitely grab it.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I assist matriculated students who want to apply for University and also encourage the athletes to join sports. I recruit players from my local team (Lamont) to DUT WFC such as Smoothies, Sbahle and Olwethu. I also play for Lamontville ladies coming with the experience that I gained from DUT WFC to help them win games.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Being a sport person can really change your life, it’s teaches you how to engage with people and how to work people. It alsoteaches you patience, forgiveness, respect, honesty and many values that you need to uphold to be a good person at large.Playing football has taught me a lot, took me to high places, formed amazing relationships, kept me healthy physically and mentally and brought lot of fun memories.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “Social media-the best way to get to youth is through social media, creating pages on all social media platforms and uploading post, pictures and ads of what each sport code is all about.”
