This follows hot on the heels of the soccer team’s sterling performance at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament in 2018. Karabo, then the team’s interim coach, led his players to overall second position. He was appointed head coach of the institute on 1 June 2019.

 

His road to success

 

Karabo has served on both sides of the pitch – he played for the institute from 2015 to 2017 and served as an assistant coach to former head coach Monde Hlatshwayo.

 

He has also played for some of the country’s top clubs, including SuperSport FC, University of Pretoria FC, Thanda Royal Zulu FC, FC Cape Town and Holland-based Feyenord.

 

Karabo’s other achievements include three ABSA Premiership gold medals that he secured while playing for SuperSport FC who won the league in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

 

Loyal alumnus, devoted supporters

 

Not content with all this, he is an NWU alumnus too. In addition to attending an introductory coaching course organised by the institute, the new head coach received his diploma in sports science during the NWU’s April graduation ceremony in 2019.

 

Karabo says the Purple Army, as the NWU supporters are affectionately known, has shown the team incredible support at every match throughout their participation in the Varsity Football tournament.

 

Time to shine

 

“Varsity Football is a necessary platform for clubs like the NWU Soccer Institute to shine through its talent management and development,” he says.

 

“The institute is unearthing this country’s footballing talent and exposing them to an array of opportunities – just as I have been.”