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From classroom to volleyball court, Aphelele Sontundu a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Bachelor of Commerce student, was selected to represent WSU at the Confederation of University Colleges Sport Association(CUCSA) Region 15 Games.
From a young age, Sontundu developed a deep passion for volleyball. Her love for the sport was evident, and she quickly realised that she had a natural talent for it.
Throughout her high school years, Sontundu dedicated countless hours to training, honing her skills and competing in various tournaments. Her performance on the court earned her recognition and paved the way for her future in volleyball.
“In the year 2023, our team participated in the University Sport South Africa(USSA) Eastern Cape league volleyball and achieved remarkable success. We proudly secured the silver medal, showcasing the dedication and skills on the court. I received the prestigious individual award for the best defender, recognising my exceptional performance”, said Sontundu.
Following the triumph in the USSA EC league, they set sights on the USSAs. Out of numerous talented candidates, Sontundu was honoured to be selected for the USSA National Squad.
Only 24 students from schools were chosen, and she was fortunate enough to be among them.
“As 2023 progressed, we embarked on a journey to Durban for the USSA National Squad trials. The competition was fierce, as only 12 players could make the final team. I was overjoyed to discover that I had secured my place among the top 12 players selected”, said Sontundu.
Fast forward to the first week of July 2024, where the highly anticipated USSA tournament took place. Once again, Sontundu had the privilege of being chosen for the USSA National Squad. This opportunity reaffirmed her commitment to the sport and motivated her to give her all on the court.
“The excitement continued in the second week of July, as I travelled to Pretoria for the CUCSA region 6 games. Representing South Africa in volleyball, I was so proud to be part of the team competing against other countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi. Throughout the tournament, the team displayed great resilience and determination, ultimately earning the bronze medal”, Said Sontundu.
These experiences have been truly transformative, allowing her to showcase her skills at both a national and international level.
“One of the key factors contributing to my success was the support system I had in place. My family, friends, coach Mbu and university faculty played an instrumental role in motivating and guiding me throughout the journey. Their unwavering belief in her abilities provided me with the necessary encouragement to push through challenges and strive for excellence”, Said Sontundu.
Sontundu’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and effective time management as an inspiration to young individuals who aspires to pursue their passion while simultaneously working towards their educational goals.
By Sinesipho Mngeni
