CHASING GREATNESS: THE VOICES BEHIND WOMEN’S SPORT AT NWU

April 21, 2026 23 1

Akhona Maphumulo

@Akhonamaphumulo9

“Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire and unite people in ways that few activities can.” These words by Nelson Mandela resonate strongly at North-West University (NWU), where female student-athletes continue to demonstrate resilience, passion, and skill both on campus and beyond. During International Women’s Month, the dedication of women in sport is being recognised, highlighting the determination, discipline, and inspiration they bring to the university.

One NWU athlete, a runner who has competed for three years and recently qualified for the South African Championships, shared her personal journey. Speaking anonymously, she reflected on how her passion for running developed over time. “I’ve always looked up to my parents; they have both been involved in running, especially my mom. They never pressured me to perform but allowed me to find my passion on my own,” she explained. Her experience highlights how motivation in sport is often driven by personal passion rather than external pressure.

Despite her achievements, she also described the challenges female athletes often encounter. “Sometimes we are compared with male runners, and it can affect our performance. Training sessions are often planned according to the men’s ability, and women have to fit into the programme,” she said. She added that while athletics promotes a sense of equality, men’s events tend to attract more spectators, highlighting the ongoing issue of limited visibility for female athletes.”

Another student, Viwe Jingqi, a third-year BEd student in Senior and FET phase, shared how her journey with NWU began while she was still in matric in 2022. “I used to come here for competitions, and I saw that NWU has so much to offer, not just a proper environment for sport,” she said. Inspired by her father, who is also an athlete, she believes her love for sport has been her greatest motivation.

However, she pointed out several challenges female athletes face. “There is a lack of support from spectators, and the curriculum is not always accommodating,” she explained. She compared this to institutions in the United States, where student-athletes are often given structured time to balance academics and sport. “Here, we have to find time that we don’t have, especially when travelling during the season,” she added. Jingqi also highlighted ongoing gender inequality, noting that stereotypes and attitudes towards women in sport continue to limit support and recognition.

Nthabeleng Mokhele, a third-year BEd Intermediate Phase student and basketball team captain, shared a similar perspective. She began playing basketball during the residence league in 2022. “I love sports and trying new things. There is always something to learn, and it helps me grow as a person and challenge myself,” she said.

Mokhele explained that basketball remains male-dominated, and female players often receive less attention than they deserve. “Many women start from scratch with little knowledge and are often underestimated in terms of their abilities,” she said. Despite these challenges, she emphasised the importance of teamwork. “As a captain, it’s easier for me to communicate with my teammates. We support each other, and communication on and off the court helps us handle pressure better,” she added.

Maria Catherina van Westing (Carla), a second-year BCom Management Sciences student, also discovered basketball in 2025 through the residence league. “I enjoy it because it is a new challenge for me,” she said. She noted that stereotypes remain one of the biggest obstacles. “Women are often seen as less capable players compared to men, and we receive less spotlight,” she explained.

On handling pressure and setbacks, she highlighted the importance of teamwork and mindset. “We talk as a team about what happened after a loss and keep a positive mindset,” she said. She also emphasised that balancing academics and sport requires proper prioritisation and effective time management.

NWU basketball coach Thuso Moiloa, who is also involved with the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Lames national team, offered insight from a coaching perspective. He noted that one of the challenges in coaching female athletes is the need for careful communication. “You have to be mindful of how you speak and the tone you use, especially when players are dealing with personal challenges,” he explained.

However, he also highlighted the strengths of female players. “They understand the game well, know how to motivate each other, and focus on improving rather than just winning,” he said. To manage pressure within the team, the coaching staff provides individual support where needed. “If a player is struggling, we look at whether it is a personal or performance issue. We involve a sports psychologist or manager where necessary,” he added.

Moiloa also addressed the challenge of balancing academics and sport. He explained that while the team supports players, academics remain a priority. “We try to find the root of the problem if a student is struggling, but if they cannot manage both, we encourage them to prioritise their studies,” he said, noting that some players have had to leave the team due to these pressures.

The experiences shared by these athletes and their coach highlight both the progress and ongoing challenges faced by women in sport at NWU. While passion and resilience continue to drive female athletes forward, issues such as limited support, gender inequality, and academic pressure remain significant barriers.

International Women’s Month serves as a reminder to not only celebrate women in sport but also to address these challenges, ensuring that future generations of female athletes are supported, recognised, and given equal opportunities to thrive.