WSU SOFTBALL PLAYER WITH A DISABILITY WINS USSA AWARD FOR RESILIENCE

In a University Sports South Africa (USSA) award ceremony held in Johannesburg recently, Ibongwe Mtshengu, a WSU student with a disability, won the USSA prestigious Award for Resilience.

Mtshengu, a 23-year-old student from Flagstaff, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration within the university sports community. Despite losing his left arm in an accident at the age of 11, Mtshengu has not only continued to play softball, but has excelled in it, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination.

“This award means a lot to me. It’s a personal victory and a message to everyone facing challenges that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard. I’m grateful to my coach, teammates, and everyone who supported me along the way," said Mtshengu.

Mtshengu is part of the five WSU softball students who were selected to represent USSA in the National Provincial Championships (NPC).

“In 2024, USSA is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and we marked this significant milestone by securing the first-ever medal for Team USSA at the NPC, a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to celebrate the occasion,” said Mtshengu.

Mtshengu’s success story is encouraging to future generations of athletes to pursue their passions regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. His journey demonstrates that with determination, resilience, and support, individuals can achieve greatness.

WSU softball coach, Sixolile Majeki, said: “I feel happy and I’m very proud of Ibongwe as his coach. I was a bit scared to coach him at first because it was the first time I had ever come across an athlete living with a disability. Softball is not an easy sport even for a person without a disability, so him receiving this award is a great achievement for our team as a whole and I feel honoured to coach such a talented individual.”

Majezi added that Mtshengu is a great individual and an even better player on the field of play, he is the first to make sure that the morale of the team is always high and motivates other teammates. He loves singing amagwijo, which helps a lot with team spirit, especially when we are feeling low or even if the game is going our way.

“Ibongwe winning this award feels like I have achieved something as his coach. It is not easy coaching, but when one of your players received such recognition, it also reflects on you as a coach. Softball is a team sport, and though Ibongwe won the award, it was his ability to play in a team and his teammates support and game that ensured his game received the recognition,” said Majezi

Majezi concluded that the award is a win for the whole team and that as a team they are excited and happy for him because they believe in celebrating each other for us to thrive.

By Anita Roji