UKZN Alumna to Represent SA at FIFA U20 World Cup as Team Doctor

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UKZN Medical School alumna, Dr Singe Chonco, is thrilled to be the Team Doctor for the South African U20 Men’s National Team as they gear up for the FIFA U20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile in September 2025.

“Last year, we won the COSAFA Cup, and more recently, we made history by winning the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament for the first time ever!”

Chonco said it was an incredible honour to support the health and performance of the young athletes. “Watching them lift the AFCON trophy was one of the proudest moments of my career. It has been an honour to be part of this exciting journey with the team.”

Born and raised in Msinga, Chonco matriculated from Nyoniyezwe High School before enrolling at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health, which deepened her understanding of athlete and workplace dynamics. She went on to earn a FIFA Sports Medicine Diploma and a Master’s in Sports Medicine from the University of Pretoria.

“I am passionate about Sports Medicine because it is a combination of my passion for sports and science. I used to compete in body building and I have always been a soccer fan. There is also a deep sense of reward in helping someone recover from an injury, especially when it means returning to something they love.”

She encouraged others to pursue sports medicine: “I always say getting in isn’t hard - but staying in is. You’ll be tested a lot, but if your work is driven by passion, you can succeed. Just set goals for yourself. Every job has its challenges.”

Reflecting on her time as a Medical student, Chonco said one of her fondest memories was her first interaction with real patients.

“That first clinical rotation - wearing a white coat, walking into a ward, and listening to a patient’s story - made me realise I was no longer just reading from textbooks. It was real.” She also valued the lasting friendships formed during long nights of studying.

Chonco said her biggest motivation is to make herself - and especially her mother - proud. “My background wasn’t the smoothest, but I’ve always had a strong support structure. My family has stood by me, and I’ve built lifelong friendships along the way.”

She credits her Christian upbringing for grounding her. “Prayer has played a big part in my life, and I truly believe God has been by my side through it all.”

Chonco is a strong believer in personal growth.

“Going to the World Cup will help me grow in my career. I have been appointed as a CAF Doping Control Officer and I will be doing more continental competitions. Going forward, I will open a sports clinic/sports medicine practice when the time allows,” she said. 

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied