The stars of sport are more often than not found on the sports field, but not. He makes his moves behind the scenes.

After being among the first graduates with a Diploma in Sports Science from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Soccer Institute back in 2009, Machesa – as he is affectionately known – has gone on to shine as an administrator of the game.

“When you pursue what you love, it is inevitable that it will bring success,” says Machesa. “I can only hope that sport can do the same for young people who share my love for sport.”

Now a sports organiser at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Machesa made his start in football administration at his alma mater as a team liaison officer and later as a manager at the institute.

He was also an assistant coach to the team that went on to become University Sports South Africa (USSA) Football National Club champions.

Machesa’s success has been built on years of hard work and dedication. Besides his NWU diploma, he also holds a BTech in officiating and coaching science from TUT, and he completed the FIFA/CIES/NMU Executive Programme in sports management at Nelson Mandela University.

He also boasts qualifications from abroad. Machesa obtained a First 4 Sports United Kingdom Level 2 coaching certificate in England, and completed a Level 1 coaching certificate in South Africa. Both courses were facilitated by the London South Bank University. On top of that he is currently the general secretary of USSA Football.

His administrative skills have assisted TUT to win the Varsity Football title twice, which speaks to his love of and dedication to sport and developing sporting talent.

Machesa’s work will surely see university sports continuing to nurture and produce some of our country’s best sportsmen and women.