Three players from the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute joined South African professional teams during the 2019 festive season.

Midfielder Lindani Nkabinde, the 2019 Varsity Football Player of the Tournament, and striker Mandisi Gadla have been signed by Premier Soccer League outfit Baroka FC. Luzuko Jevuka, goalkeeper, signed for Glad Africa Championship side Mbombela United on an 18 months’ deal with an option to renew. 

 ‘Djemba-Djemba’, as Lindani is affectionately known, also formed part of the University Sports South Africa (USSA) national team that represented the country at the World Student Games in Naples, Italy from 3 to 14 July 2019.

NWU Soccer Institute manager Vuyolwethu Sambo says he is happy for the three players to have achieved their dream of playing for a professional team.

“It’s a good sign that we are continuing to achieve our desired goals of developing well-rounded individuals who can be future soccer players, coaches and administrators, while simultaneously pursuing an academic programme of their choice,” says Vuyolwethu.

These three athletes played an instrumental role in leading the NWU team to victory. Not only did the team win the 2019 Varsity Football Tournament, but they also qualified for the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup and were runners-up in the 2019 USSA Tournament.

Mandisi Gadla

Lindani Nkabinde

Luzuko Jevuka