UKZN Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Durban Football Club

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The Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise, and Leisure Sciences (BELS) has formalised an exciting collaboration with Durban City FC through a newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership signifies a pivotal step in integrating academic expertise with professional sports, reinforcing the value of sports science in optimising athletic performance.

The agreement enables Durban City FC to conduct comprehensive fitness assessments in collaboration with BELS, guided by high-performance co-ordinator Dr Siphamandla Nyawose. Working alongside honours students, Nyawose ensures that detailed individual and team fitness reports are compiled, aiding the club in meeting its performance objectives.

Beyond enhancing the club’s sports science capabilities, the MoU provides invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students. Participants engage in hands-on performance evaluations, data analysis and sports conditioning, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Additionally, this collaboration has created an internship pathway, allowing students to fulfil their exercise science internship hours in a professional sports setting.

The success of this partnership is already evident in the career advancements of students involved. Two honours students from the 2024 class - Mr Amukelani Mfukeng, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree with the Discipline, and Mr Michael Radebe - have secured contracts in Durban City FC’s High Performance department. Their selection underscores the industry relevance of the training and exposure provided through this collaboration, preparing students for careers in the highly competitive field of sports science and performance coaching.

Academic Leader of BELS Professor Rowena Naidoo, highlighted the significance of such collaborations, saying: ‘The Discipline of BELS welcomes partnerships like these, which not only contribute to the professionalisation of sport but also provide our students with real-world experiences that enhance their academic and professional development. This initiative is strongly supported by the School of Health Sciences as it aligns with our mission to integrate academic excellence with industry relevance.’

The MoU represents a major milestone for both BELS and Durban City FC, reinforcing the Discipline’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that enhance student learning, research and community engagement. By strengthening ties with the sporting industry, the collaboration underscores the essential role of biokinetics and exercise science in advancing athletic performance and career progression within the field.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied