“Scientific knowledge underpins our work with sportsmen and women but the critical difference comes in the application of this knowledge.”This is Lerato Maqena’s take on the importance of the science behind sport. For Lerato, a qualified sport scientist and an alumna of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark, sport represents a high-impact tool for development and a powerful agent for social change.

With this in mind, Lerato will be hosting the inaugural Science behind Sport Seminar on 29 July 2017 at her alma mater in Vanderbijlpark.As a professional sport science consultant (she heads-up the Qena Sports Science Academy), Lerato assists private clients and high-profile sport clubs to improve on physical performance and to strengthen psychological prowess. By championing the Science behind Sport Seminar, Lerato wishes to expose students within the fields of Sport Science and Sport Management to industry experts and to create a platform from where students and sporting professionals alike can network.

More about the seminar

The Science behind Sport Seminar see several high-profile speakers taking to the stage, including:

• Christa Kgamphe
• Christopher Israel Hlengani
• Caesar Mongwe
• Songs Somanzi
• Annerine Wenhold

Topics that will be discussed, include:

• The definition and scope of sport science
• Intensive rehabilitation and counselling
• Mental preparations
• Strategic thinking
• Tradition and culture of cricket
• Rugby development in townships
• Factors that affect the performance of rugby players
• Mental toughness of golf players
• Life skills
• Golf development

Book your seat now!

The seminar is open to all registered students, coaches, sport administrators and professional athletes. Tickets amount to R150 per person. For more information please visit the Qena Sports Science Academy Facebook page.

Lerato Maqena, a qualified sport scientist and an alumna of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark, consulting with young golfers.