Motsepe Foundation Championship side Durban City FC has entered a collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) through the Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise, and Leisure Sciences (BELS).
The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a major step in bridging the gap between professional sports and academic expertise in the province.
Durban City, newly rebranded having moved from being Maritzburg United, is enjoying a promising start in their first season in Durban.
They’re currently leading the second division and showing the strongest potential for promotion to the top-flight Betway Premiership.
With the partnership with UKZN, they aim to enhance their sporting performance through the integration of sports science.
Durban City FC x UKZN! 🔥
— Durban City FC (@DurbanCity_FC) March 27, 2025
We’ve partnered with UKZN to grow football and create new opportunities for young talent in KZN. Exciting times ahead! ⚽💙#OurCityOurTeam #DurbanCityFC #UKZN pic.twitter.com/FwusA2r59c
This collaboration follows in the footsteps of Mamelodi Sundowns, who signed a similar agreement with the University of Pretoria (UP) back in 2021.
Sundowns has long been committed to using science and technology to push their performance to new heights.
The partnership with UP has involved the club working alongside UP’s sport science staff, with access to their High Performance Centre (HPC) and other top facilities.
For City , the collaboration with UKZN means access to a range of sport science services, including fitness assessments and performance evaluations.
Under the guidance of Dr Siphamandla Nyawose, a high-performance coordinator, the club will receive detailed reports on both individual and team fitness, helping them track progress and fine-tune their approach to achieving their goals.
This partnership offers more than just performance benefits to the club. It also creates valuable learning opportunities for students.
Honours students from BELS work closely with the team, gaining hands-on experience in performance evaluation, data analysis, and conditioning.
The #MotsepeFoundationChampionship is back!
The log leaders, Durban City and Upington City, kick-off this weekend's matches. pic.twitter.com/EnK3YTe8WQ
This direct exposure helps students connect their academic learning with real-world applications, which is an essential step in their professional development.
In addition, the collaboration has paved the way for internships, allowing students to gain practical experience in a professional sports environment.
This gives them the chance to complete their internship hours while contributing to a team at the top of its game.The impact of this partnership is already being seen in the career paths of students involved.
Two honours students, Amukelani Mfukeng and Michael Radebe, have secured positions in Durban City FC’s High Performance department, a testament to the career-relevant training they received through this collaboration. Mfukeng is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the field.
Professor Rowena Naidoo, the Academic Leader of BELS, highlighted the importance of such partnerships in enhancing both the professionalisation of sport and the academic growth of students.
“The collaboration is seen as a strong step forward in aligning academic excellence with industry needs, benefiting both students and the broader sports community,” said Naidoo.
This partnership solidifies Durban City FC’s commitment to not only securing a spot in the top flight but also establishing itself as a key player in the growing intersection of sports and academic innovation.