University of South Africa rewards Banyana Banyana's WAFCON conquest with bursary opportunities

The University of South Africa (UNISA) will offer WAFCON champions Banyana Banyana bursary opportunities to pursue study programmes of their choice effective next year January.

South Africa edged out Morocco in the final to win their maiden WAFCON title courtesy of a second-half brace from Hildah Magaia, with Morocco's Rosella Annie Ayane grabbing the consolation last week.

The university said in recognition of the historic achievement, they will make special bursaries available for the twenty-three players, terming the victory as an inspiration to young people to believe in sports.

"The University of South Africa (Unisa) has decided to grant WAFCON champions Banyana Banyana bursary opportunities to pursue study programmes of their choice and continue to shape their futures to a better tomorrow.

In recognition of their historic achievement, Unisa will make available a special bursary programme (study opportunities), for the twenty-three (23) players in accordance with the university’s admission policies. The offer, whose terms and conditions will be communicated to the potential recipients, is effective from January 2023.

In the next few days, Unisa will communicate the details for the official handover ceremony with the South African Football Association (SAFA) leadership and the public," part of the statement by the university read.

Unisa's vice-chancellor and principal Prof Puleng LenkaBula congratulated the team, noting that Banyana's achievement not only resonates with the university's values but hopes it will inspire a new generation of young girls to believe in sport.

"The historic victory of South Africa in the African football scene after twenty-six years is very inspirational to Unisa, the youth, and South Africa as a whole. The achievement of Banyana resonates with Unisa’s values of innovation, excellence, and responsiveness. It is for this reason that Unisa saw it befitting to offer our exemplary champions the opportunity to further their studies and futures.

We hope that in the same manner that Banyana have inspired the nation; this small gesture will inspire young girls and boys to believe in sport, virtues of discipline and excellence and that there are long-term benefits and rewards associated with such virtues," Prof LenkaBula said.

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