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23 December 2022 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Supplied
Kopano Melesi
Kopano Melesi has been involved with teams such as the USSA U21, South African U20 and U23 sides, and works at the Mahd Sports Academy in Saudi Arabia.

They were ambitious students, in the same study group, and graduated together at the UFS. Only a few years later, three friends from the class of 2015 are in charge of the strength and conditioning of three top sports teams in South Africa.

The former classmates Bongani Tim Qumbu (Springboks), Kopano Melesi (Bafana Bafana), and Tumi Masekela (Proteas men’s cricket) are making sure the best in the country is in shape to compete internationally.

And the trio are not the only sport scientists from their class to excel. Others like Obakeng Molopyane, who did Wayde van Niekerk’s conditioning, are also part of this special group. It all started while doing their honours in Human Movement Science and being mentored by some of the best in the business, like Prof Derik Coetzee, who was the conditioning coach when the Boks won the 2007 World Cup.

Melesi says Prof Coetzee played a big role in their development as they had a good road map to follow. “He exposed us to things in the professional world that a normal student could only dream of. We worked with national teams, domestic and international professional teams.”

“When we went out there, we were not unsure about our abilities and capabilities to execute.” According to Masekela, they were keen students and had great UFS lecturers.

“We would meet up most afternoons after lectures to break down the lesson that we had until we understood exactly what the lesson was about.”

“This included digging into the history of how certain theories came about, then debating on our own thoughts on the topic,” he says.

All three gained experience while still studying. Qumbu worked with the Kovsie Young Guns and Irawas, Melesi with the Kovsie soccer team, and Masekela with the UFS cricket team.

Melesi says early exposure, through ‘volunteering’ at local teams, is key if you want to reach the top.

“I would advise aspiring students to engage with their lecturers as much as possible in class, as they have a lot of practical knowledge about sport science that you will not read in a book,” says Masekela.

 

 


 

Kopano Melesi Tumi Masekela Bongani Tim Qumbu

Kopano Melesi has been involved with teams such as the USSA U21, South African U20 and U23 sides, and works at the Mahd Sports Academy in Saudi Arabia.

 

Tumi Masekela played cricket for the University of the Free State, Northerns, the Knights and Titans. He is now the strength and conditioning coach of the Proteas.

 

Bongani Tim Qumbu (left) worked his way to the top. He now looks after some of the best rugby players in SA like the Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Here they are at a Bok training session.

Photo: Supplied Photo: Cricket South Africa Photo: Supplied

 

News Archive

Largest number of CUADS graduates at UFS
2017-07-03

Description: Largest number of CUADS graduates 2017 Tags: Largest number of CUADS graduates 2017

During the mid-year graduation ceremonies at the
University of the Free State (UFS), the Centre for
Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) saw
the largest number of students with disabilities graduating.
Photo: Johan Roux

During the mid-year graduation ceremonies at the University of the Free State (UFS), the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) saw the largest number of students with disabilities graduating.

For the first time since being established in February 2001, a total number of 30 students graduated, of which seven were postgraduate students.

Accomplishing your dreams as a student
Martie Miranda, Head of CUADS, says that one cannot help but become emotional with joy and happiness. “The feeling of satisfaction we feel with the graduates is so valuable, because it’s a reminder of their abilities to accomplish their dreams just like any other student.”

CUADS aims to ensure that the UFS creates opportunities for students with disabilities, aiming to become a higher-education institution recognised for its efforts in human reconciliation. Together with the Exam Division, CUADS coordinates alternative assessment with an accessible test and examination facility housed at CUADS. This accommodates students with concessions, amanuensis, specialised equipment, and accessible formatted papers.

Changing the challenges you experience
Miranda continuously encourages students to keep going. “If being successful is important to you, you will find a way to change the challenges you experience into opportunities. Either to learn something about yourself or teach someone else something.”

Below are the number of graduates from each faculty:
•    Faculty of Law: 2
•    Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences: 4
•    Faculty of Education: 4
•    Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science: 9
•    Faculty of the Humanities: 11

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