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The NWU’s brand stores recently donated R70 000 towards the university’s Covid-19 Response Fund. NWU mascot Eagi delivered the cheque to Elmarie de Beer, executive director for finance and facilities, at her home in a Covid-19-compliant way.

 

The Response Fund is aimed at equipping students with laptops and devices while also offering support to staff and all communities surrounding the university’s campuses. Click here if you would like to make a donation too.

PROFILE

One such individual is former Orlando Pirates player and now Chippa United FC player Thabo Rakhale.

 

Kicking off

 

Growing up in Sebokeng, Gauteng, the talented midfielder matriculated from Katleho Impumelelo Secondary School in 2007 and joined the NWU Soccer Institute the following year as a soccer player and sports science student.

 

During his time with the institute, Thabo and his team won two University Sports South Africa (USSA) Championships – in 2009 and again in 2010.

 

After graduating with a diploma in sports science in 2011, Thabo joined his first team, Sivutsa Stars. Unfortunately, he did not make any appearances until he joined his favourite club, Orlando Pirates, in 2012.

 

He was sent out on loan twice, once back to Sivutsa in 2012-2013, and then to Polokwane City in 2013-2014. He stayed with Pirates until joining Chippa United in 2018.

 

In 2018 Thabo was called up for trials by the Turkish side Istanbulspor. It did not work out, but the experience was invaluable.

 

Known for his showboating skills, Jomo, as he is affectionately known in footballing circles, says being part of the NWU and its Soccer Institute was an eye-opener for him.

 

His future game plan

 

His contract with Chippa United ends this June and there has been speculation that this midfield maestro may be heading for Kaizer Chiefs, but only time will tell.

 

Whatever the future may hold, he is full of praise for Chippa United.

 

“It’s a good team, and playing for them prepares an individual both socially and professionally. I learned a lot of positives on and off the field at my present team. There is always a spirit of brotherhood and teamwork among us as players,” says Thabo.

 

"Whatever happens, what I am presently focusing on is to improve my game and help the team."

 

When he hangs up his football boots one day, Thabo says he will revert back to what he studied: the science of sports.

Thabo praises Soccer Institute for his solid foundation

When the NWU Soccer Institute was established in 2007, its main objective was to develop well-rounded future soccer players, coaches and administrators while they simultaneously pursued an academic programme of their choice.

In action … Soccer Institute alumnus Thabo Rakhale is currently playing for Chippa United.

Thabo is one of the former Soccer Institute players who visits the university during the annual Soccer Institute alumni reunion. There he shared his experiences of professional football with the new crop of Institute players as a way of ploughing back.

 

“The Soccer Institute was a good base for me to prepare for the professional football set-up as everything was done expertly,” says Thabo.

CONTENTS

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Front page

 

The NWU’s brand stores recently donated R70 000 towards the university’s Covid-19 Response Fund. NWU mascot Eagi delivered the cheque to Elmarie de Beer, executive director for finance and facilities, at her home in a Covid-19-compliant way.

 

The Response Fund is aimed at equipping students with laptops and devices while also offering support to staff and all communities surrounding the university’s campuses. Click here if you would like to make a donation too.

 

NWU & U