Athlete excels at squash, claims Student-Athlete of the Year at UJ Sports Awards

A sport that is often overlooked and not thought about, Squash has emerged to be Diodivine Mkhize’s forte.
Mkhize’s journey in squash began at a young age when he discovered the sport through the Egoli Squash development programme. The programme, which uses squash as a catalyst to empower and inspire youth, provided Mkhize with a safe haven and the opportunity to channel his energy into a positive pursuit.

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“Egoli Squash not only gave me a chance to play the sport I love; it also helped me stay on the right track and away from the temptations of the streets,” Mkhize reflected.

Inspired by the exceptional skills and sportsmanship of Egyptian professional squash player Tarek Momen, Mkhize has dedicated himself to honing his craft. His exceptional technique, lightning-fast speed, and strategic prowess on the court have made him a force to be reckoned with in the junior squash circuit.

His performances in prestigious tournaments, such as the World Juniors Squash Championships in Australia, the BDO Namibian Open, and the FISU World University Championships in Johannesburg, have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. His commitment to the sport has not only yielded impressive results on the court but has also had a profound impact on his personal growth.

“Squash has taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship,” he said. “It has helped me become a more well-rounded individual, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.”

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As Mkhize looks to the future, his sights are set on even greater achievements. His ultimate goal is to become the first black male squash player to reach the number one spot in his country, a milestone that would not only cement his legacy but also inspire a new generation of squash players from underrepresented communities.

His journey has not been without its challenges, but he has been fortunate to receive support from sponsors like Wilson and Craig van der Wath, who have helped him overcome financial obstacles to participate in more tournaments.

“Their support has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my dreams in squash,” Mkhize acknowledged.

Mkhize recently won first place in the Student-Athlete of the Year category at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Sports Awards, which recognises exceptional performance in both academics and sport. He happily said that it meant a lot being honoured by the school. “It shows that the university is aware that it’s not easy being a professional athlete and a full-time student at the same time. So, it encourages us, as athletes, to work even harder because we get support from the university.”

He noted he found it extremely hard to strike the right balance between his studies and athletic pursuits. “As a student, I believe academic success comes first, but I’m also passionate about squash and dedicated to achieving my goals in the sport. Winning this award is a huge achievement, and I’m incredibly proud to have accomplished it. It validates all the hard work and effort I’ve put into balancing my responsibilities as a student and an athlete.”

In the next five years, Mkhize envisions himself breaking into the world’s top 150 rankings and qualifying for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

With this momentum, and the continued support of his community, he is poised to make a mark on the sport of squash, both in South Africa and on the global stage.

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