Three UKZN Footballers Crack the Big Time Nod!

The partnership between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban City Football Club (FC) bore more exciting fruit with three talented UKZN footballers officially recruited into the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) Squad for the 2026/27 season.

Fresh from a historic Nedbank Cup triumph and an impressive debut season in the Betway Premiership, Durban City FC unveiled student-athletes Mr Amukelwa Tau, Mr Wandile Gigaba and Mr Lwandiso Yalo during a vibrant ceremony held at the UKZN Football Stadium on the Howard College campus.

The occasion marked a proud moment for both institutions as the three players moved from university football into the professional development ranks of one of South Africa’s fastest-growing football clubs, Durban City FC. The unveiling highlighted the growing success of the strategic partnership signed between UKZN and Durban City FC just over a year ago to strengthen high-performance football development and create professional pathways for young talent.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as students, supporters and football officials gathered to celebrate the achievements of the student trio, whose hard work and dedication have earned them an opportunity to compete at a higher level of the game.

Executive Director for Corporate Relations at UKZN Dr Normah Zondo described the occasion as a breakthrough moment for student sport and youth development.

Said Zondo: “This is truly an exciting moment as we celebrate not only a partnership but the opening of real opportunities for our students. We are immensely proud of the three selected to play for Durban City FC, as they represent the incredible talent and potential within our University community. Through collaborations like this, we are connecting education, leadership and opportunity in powerful ways,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of Durban City FC, Mr Younus Kadodia, said the recruitment reflects the club’s long-term vision of investing in youth talent while building strong community partnerships.

“For Durban City FC, this partnership reinforces our vision of building a sustainable and progressive football club that remains deeply connected to the community,” said Kadodia. “We look forward to growing this relationship and creating opportunities that will inspire and benefit future generations.”

Interim Sports Manager at UKZN, Mr Zweli Sapula highlighted the significance of the occasion, referring to it as a celebration of collaboration, opportunity and student development. Sapula commended both UKZN and Durban City FC management for their commitment to nurturing young talent and creating pathways into professional football. Sapula also encouraged supporters to rally behind the players as they embarked on an exciting new chapter in their sporting careers.

The students were thankful and excited about joining the squad.

Tau, a first-year Bachelor of Arts student, paid tribute to his family for nurturing his passion for the game.

“I come from a family of football lovers,” he said. “My grandfather was a football fanatic and a devoted Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Growing up, we hardly ever missed a Chiefs home match, and from an early age I began seeing myself playing on these stages,” he said.

Tau, known for his versatility on both the left and right wing, added that watching his older brother play inspired his first kick of a soccer ball and fuelled his love for the sport. He said he was looking forward to learning and growing in a competitive environment alongside some of KwaZulu-Natal’s top football talent.

Yalo, a second-year Bachelor of Education student, who also comes from a football-loving family and enjoys playing on the right wing, said he hopes to make his family proud through his achievements.

“As I progress in my football career, I carry forward my family’s legacy and love for the Game. I hope to bring positive energy and create memorable moments with my new teammates,” he said.

Selected as a striker, Gigaba, a first-year Bachelor of Education student, said his passion for football began during childhood while playing with family and friends.

“From a young age, I loved the excitement of the game, the teamwork, and the challenge of improving my skills. Football became something I truly love because it brings people together and motivates me to work hard and achieve my goals,” he said.

Gigaba described joining Durban City FC as an exciting and honourable opportunity to develop his abilities, learn new skills, and compete at a higher level.

For Tau, Gigaba and Yalo, the evening represented more than just a football opportunity – it was the fulfilment of a dream and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their sporting journeys. The players thanked both UKZN and Durban City FC for believing in their potential and providing them with a platform to grow.

The celebrations concluded with an entertaining friendly match between UKZN FC and the Durban City FC DDC side, giving supporters a thrilling glimpse of the newly recruited players in action as they proudly wore the colours of their new club.

The latest recruitment success not only reflects the growing strength of university football at UKZN but also demonstrates how strategic partnerships can open doors for young athletes to pursue excellence in both academics and professional sport.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini and Sejal Desai

Photograph: Yola Ndzabe