by Phenyo Mokgothu
Just weeks after helping the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and being named Player of the Tournament at the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs, Khunganani Sigadi has reached another milestone in his football career. The talented midfielder has been selected for the South African under 23 national team
The call-up places Khunganani among the leading young footballers in the country and marks another step in a season that has seen him establish himself as one of the standout performers in university football. The South African under 23 team serves as the country’s pathway to Olympic qualification and other continental competitions under the guidance of coach Morena Ramoreboli.
Khunganani’s selection comes after an impressive campaign with the NWU Soccer Institute, where his performances helped the team secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. His displays at the national playoffs earned him the Player of the Tournament award, underlining his influence throughout the competition
NWU Soccer Institute manager Vuyolwethu Sambo said Khunganani’s national recognition reflects both the player’s commitment and the development programme of the institute
“Khunganani has earned this opportunity through consistent hard work, discipline and his performances on the field. We are proud to see one of our players representing the country at under 23 level. This call-up shows that the pathway we have created at the Soccer Institute continues to produce players capable of competing at the highest level.”
Vuyolwethu said the selection should inspire other players in the programme
“Our objective has always been to prepare student-athletes for professional football while ensuring they continue with their studies. Khunganani’s achievement demonstrates that those goals can go hand in hand. We wish him every success in the national team.”
Khunganani’s latest achievement adds to a growing list of milestones for the NWU Soccer Institute, which has become one of the leading university football programmes in South Africa. The institute recently celebrated promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after an unbeaten run through the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs
For the NWU, Khunganani’s selection highlights the continued contribution by the university to South African football by producing players capable of progressing to national teams while pursuing their academic careers
