Former University of the Free State (UFS) football player Jose Mondi (21) has taken the next step in his academic and sporting journey after securing a football scholarship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in the United States of America. Mondi began training with his new team on 3 August 2026 after departing from South Africa on 26 July 2026.

The scholarship marks an important milestone for the former KovsieFootball midfielder, whose journey at the UFS was characterised by academic commitment, sporting excellence, and perseverance. During his time at the university, Mondi played a key role in KovsieFootball's historic 2025 Varsity Football campaign, helping the team secure its first-ever Varsity Football Championship title.

Reflecting on the opportunity to continue both his studies and football career abroad, Mondi said the experience still feels surreal. “I don't know how to describe it because I'm at a loss for words," he said.

A journey built on faith, perseverance, and teamwork

Looking back on the historic Varsity Football triumph, Mondi credited the team's success to faith, hard work, and the collective commitment of everyone involved. “It was through the grace of God and hard work and perseverance that we pulled it off. I'm very happy that we were the first group to bring the Varsity Football trophy home for the university," he said.

Winning the 2025 Varsity Football Championship represented more than a sporting achievement. It demonstrated the growth of the KovsieFootball programme and reflected the University of the Free State's commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both academically and on the field.

A farewell filled with gratitude

While excited about the opportunities awaiting him in the United States, Mondi acknowledged that leaving the UFS and his teammates was one of the most difficult parts of the journey. “It’s never easy to leave. I've come to realise that nothing lasts forever, and sometimes you have to move on to greater things," he said.

He added that the friendships he built during his time at Kovsies would remain among the highlights of his university experience. “I will miss the guys a lot, because despite the challenges we faced over the past two years, we always stood by one another."

Coach Mokete Tsotetsi said Mondi's scholarship is a proud achievement that reflects his commitment both on and off the field. “I am happy for Jose for earning this scholarship to the University of Nevada. It is the result of his hard work, dedication, and commitment. Winning the Varsity Football Championship last year also reflects his growth and the effort he has consistently put into his development as a student-athlete," he said.

Tsotetsi added that opportunities such as Mondi's scholarship demonstrate the value of balancing academic and sporting excellence. “It is important for our student-athletes to see that opportunities like these are possible. Jose's achievement shows that it is possible to balance sport and academics while pursuing excellence, and I hope his journey inspires many others to follow the same path."

Flying the UFS flag internationally

Mondi's journey from Varsity Football champion to student-athlete at UNLV reflects the University of the Free State's commitment to providing opportunities that enable students to realise their full potential both locally and internationally.