Local boxer beats the odds and graduates with sports science degree
After joining the Durban University of Technology Boxing Club and excelling at the sport while repersenting his institution, Libuyile Gawuza graduated with his Bachelor of Sport Science and Management this month during the university's autumn graduation season.
IT was a momentous occasion for a Durban University of Technology (DUT) boxer, Libuyile Gawuza, when the sports star graduated with his Bachelor of Sport Science and Management at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, May 21.
Gawuza (22), originally from Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, described his academic journey at DUT as ‘exciting and rewarding’.
“The Bachelor of Sport Science and Management provided me with a comprehensive understanding of sports from both scientific and managerial perspectives. Engaging in practical experiences and having volunteered in a variety of organisations within the sports industry further enriched my learning and equipped me with the knowledge that will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Overall, my academic journey at DUT was filled with challenges and invaluable experiences that will prepare me for a fulfilling career in the sports industry,” he alluded.
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After a year of enrolling at DUT (2022), Gawuza joined the DUT Boxing Club, following his passion for the sport. He indicated that he wanted to be a boxer from a young age, but unfortunately, growing up, he was only exposed to football. He was excited when he discovered that DUT had offered boxing as a sport. He saw this as an opportunity to make his boxing dream a reality.
“Since boxing had always been my dream, I worked extremely hard from day one, and that’s what makes me a different breed because I have a clear vision ahead. I equalised the workload by managing my time effectively, prioritising tasks, such as having schedules for training and study sessions, and staying disciplined,” said Gawuza.
His boxing highlights at DUT include representing the university at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Championships and becoming a bronze medallist in 2022. This was a huge achievement for him as it was his first time competing in the ring. In a short period of two years, he had won several medals and trophies after being selected to fight on big stages, sanctioned by professional boxing promoters in South Africa.
“I was supposed to start my professional boxing career this year, but because I am busy with my Honours in Sport Science at DUT, I decided not to. However, I will definitely be commencing with my professional career next year,” he shared.
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Gawuza wished that his late father, who sadly passed on in 2019, was still alive to witness his success in boxing. He recalled watching wrestling and boxing with his father when he was still a young boy. His love for boxing developed in high school, when he was bullied in his first two years.
In addition, Gawuza mentioned that having an Honours in Sport Science degree will place him at a great advantage, exposing and qualifying him for many career opportunities within the sports industry, including being a sport scientist, which is the path he intends to follow.
The passionate boxer urged students from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay dedicated and believe in everything they do. He advised them to seek opportunities for growth and development and, most importantly, to maintain a positive attitude towards challenges and setbacks by turning their pain into progress.
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