This three-year agreement establishes a strategic joint venture to develop a high-performance football programme that aligns with the University’s vision to lead in sport, education, and youth development in the Eastern Cape and South Africa.
From left, Sharon Masiza, Dr Sibusiso Mchunu, Cameron Klopper and Vuyo Bongela
Under the partnership, Highbury FC will use the Second Avenue campus facilities, including the football field, pavilion, conference rooms, Madibaz high-performance centre, and fitness and aquatics centre, as their professional training base while continuing to play league matches at Gelvandale Stadium.
The collaboration seeks to enhance football excellence through shared resources, coaching, and facilities, and to empower student-athletes by providing academic and athletic pathways.
Highbury FC chairman Cameron Klopper, right, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the benefits of access to a broader player pool from the University and the opportunity to directly scout talent from the campus.
“This official agreement opens up opportunities for students to be scouted by Highbury without trials, strengthening our recruitment,” said Klopper.
He also reminisced about the club’s history with the campus, noting that the team used to train and play there during their Vodacom League days.
The University commits to supporting the club with academic assistance and monitoring for football players through internships, work-integrated learning for sport management students, coaching education including CAF-accredited courses, and engagement opportunities through research and media internships.
In return, Mandela University hopes the collaboration will elevate their competitiveness in Varsity Football, USSA competitions, and local leagues, including SafaNMB Regional League, National First Division, and youth development leagues (U15, U17, U19).
Madibaz Sport Director Vuyo Bongela, right, emphasised the value of the partnership in strengthening student success both academically and athletically.
“Students who play sports tend to perform well academically. Partnerships like this help us nurture talent from schools where sports opportunities may have been limited,” Bongela explained.
She noted the partnership’s role in providing holistic development for students, helping them acquire both life and soft skills alongside academic qualifications.
Sharon Masiza, Senior Director for the Missionvale, Second Avenue, and Bird Street campuses, added that the deal would enhance student life and position the Second Avenue campus as a leading hub within the University.
The MOU also introduces opportunities for Mandela University students to benefit from internships aligned with Highbury FC’s operations, the creation of a fan club on campus, and the Madibaz Football Technical Lab, an innovative centre for training players, coaches, referees, and administrators.
The collaboration has already seen Highbury support coaching development programmes, including CAF coaching licenses, benefiting 89 coaches so far, with six of them being Mandela University students.
Mark Tommy, Mandela University’s Sport Manager, highlighted the joint commitment to community service and student development, saying, “We want our students to graduate not only with academic qualifications but also with lifelong skills.”
Bongela concluded by framing the partnership as a beacon of Ubuntu, unity, and leadership development: “This is an opportunity to shape not only great athletes but also future leaders.”
Currently, Highbury FC is fourth on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log, undefeated in five games with two wins and three draws, setting a promising foundation for their collaboration with Nelson Mandela University.