University of the Western Cape Scholar gets top international bursary
Philisa Mjambane, a talented and driven student from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), has been awarded the prestigious Kulu Manzi Bursary. Kulu Manzi in Germany offered the bursary in partnership with UWC’s Interdisciplinary Centre For Sports Science and Development (ICSSD).
The ICSSD is directed by UNESCO chair, Prof Marion Keim.
The bursary has not only provided Philisa with financial support but also with an opportunity to pursue her dream of playing football while studying. Philisa is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport, Development and Peace offered by ICSSD at UWC. Her journey is supported under the guidance of UWC Sports Administration Director, Mr Mandla Gagayi.
Philisa’s journey to success is fuelled by her determination, hard work and competitiveness. Her family is elated, as the bursary has brought both joy and relief to Philisa’s life. With financial support now secured, she can wholeheartedly focus on her studies and pursue her dreams in both academia and sport, she said.
She also mentioned that football is a short-lived career and the bursary will help her to create a solid foundation, as she still has big dreams of pursuing her Master’s degree. Philisa was very emotional when Prof Keim and Mr Gagayi awarded her the bursary.
Her exceptional talent was unearthed during a fixture between Thunderbirds Football Club and the UWC team where she impressed the UWC scouts with her outstanding performance. UWC is currently playing in the Hollywoodbets Super League, run under the auspices of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Behind every successful individual, there is often an influential figure who serves as a role model. For Philisa, that person is her mother. As she embarked on her journey to UWC, her mother’s words to her were, “Make me proud, my daughter.” These words still deeply resonate with her to this day.
Philisa’s mother instilled in her the belief that education is paramount, even in pursuit of a football career. Philisa draws inspiration from her mother’s unwavering support and strives to make her proud every step of the way.
UWC and ICSSD staff, and their partner Kulu Manzi, have wished Philisa all the best in both her football career and her studies.