Mr Schalk Willem Wentzel Gordon (left) with the Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Mr Lesiba Seshoka.UKZN Cricketer Earns University’s Prestige Sports Scholarship
A member of the UKZN Howard College Cricket Team and the KZN Mynah Hockey Team, Mr Schalk Willem Wentzel Gordon, is a UZKN Prestige Sports Scholarship winner.
This scholarship is awarded for outstanding achievement in sports at international, national or provincial levels. ‘The award is a blessing, I am so grateful,’ said Gordon.
He said his parents were proud of him for getting the scholarship and were happy about the financial relief it will bring. ‘They don’t need to worry anymore about how they're going to get me through Varsity!’
The award means a lot to Gordon. ’I can now further my studies in my field of interest while still being able to take part in my passion - hockey and cricket. It also means I am able to help my family financially.’
Gordon’s passion for the game keeps him going, ‘I really do love my sport as it keeps me busy and I get to meet so many new people and create stronger bonds with others I already know.’
His future plans are to make the senior KZN Raiders Hockey Team, continue to perform for the Howard College Cricket Team in the premier division and most importantly complete his degree.
‘To my fellow student, nothing pays off more than genuine hard work, academically and in sport. Recognise what you need to do to get to where you want to be and work towards it with your full capacity.’
He thanked the donors of the scholarship for giving him an opportunity to study and pursue his sporting passions with the added bonus of removing financial stress from his parents; ‘If it was not for this scholarship I doubt I would have been studying this year. This opportunity really does mean the world to me and I hope I can keep representing the university and making its name stand out for all the right reasons.’
Gordon comes from a sport loving family and coaches with his brother during their spare time. ‘Personally I am a bit of a quiet person who likes to get things done the right way no matter how long it takes. I am obviously very outdoors orientated but I do enjoy a good movie at home on the couch from time to time.’
Nombuso Dlamini