In the high-stakes world of professional football, where players and coaches often take centre stage, the role of the physiotherapist remains quietly indispensable. For Godfrey Sepuru, an alumnus of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the current Physiotherapist at Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, working behind the scenes with one of Africa’s top clubs is a journey defined by passion, precision, and perseverance.
Sepuru’s path to elite sport began humbly in Seshego, Limpopo, where a casual encounter with a local practice sparked a lifelong interest. “I actually got interested in physiotherapy when I saw a physiotherapy practice in Seshego,” he recalls. “I researched it and became interested in sports physiotherapy.”
His years at SMU laid a firm foundation for an illustrious career. “We had lecturers who were very passionate about sports physiotherapy—Julius Mathatho, Bafana Sihlali, and Dr Bhekiwe Mtshali,” he shares. “They made sure we participated in local sports events where possible. I was also helping one of the student teams, Flamingo, as a student physiotherapist.”
The support from SMU alumni and mentors like Sipho Mazibuko and Thabo Dimo, who would take students to major athletic events, left a lasting impact. “Their commitment was inspiring,” Sepuru says. “It made us believe that we belonged in professional sport.”
But the journey was not without its early struggles. “The first year was tough,” he admits. “I struggled with access to prescribed books. I had to spend long hours in the library and borrow books from classmates. It taught me discipline and hard work.”
From those humble beginnings, Sepuru went on to build a formidable résumé, working at all levels of South Africa’s national football structure. “I have actually worked at the National Teams at all levels—under-20, 23 and Bafana Bafana,” he shares. Among his career highlights are two FIFA World Cups: “2009 with Amajita in Egypt and the 2010 World Cup with Bafana Bafana.”
His expertise also extends to track and field. “I’ve covered many International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF} events and worked with top athletes like Caster Semenya, LJ van Zyl and Khotso Mokoena,” he says. “I’ve also been involved in indoor soccer and beach football tournaments.”
Sepuru’s break into Mamelodi Sundowns came through his national team experience. “I was recruited by the medical team at Sundowns, especially SMU alumnus Dr Carl Tabane. When the opportunity arose, it was an easy decision,” he recalls. “Coach Pitso [Mosimane] warned me to be ready for serious hard work—and he was not wrong.”
Now part of a club that dominates the local league, competes in CAF tournaments and prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Sepuru plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role. “Injuries like hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and muscle overloads are common,” he explains. “We use a combination of GPS tracking, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and data analysis to stay ahead.”
He highlights how technology has revolutionised injury prevention and treatment. “GPS tracking devices help us manage the athletes’ load—it’s an important tool to prevent injuries,” he says. “During rehab, we compare data from before and after the injury. We aim to return players to their previous condition before letting them back on the field.”
Video analysis is another key tool. “We have a department that provides footage just after an injury occurs—we can immediately assess the mechanism and intervene,” he says. Match-day communication is also vital: “If I see a player limping from the stands, I use the radio to alert the physio on the bench to prevent worsening the injury.”
As he reflects on his journey, Sepuru feels the pull of academia. “My next level is teaching—sharing my experience,” he says. “No ambitions to work at the national teams anymore… done enough. Maybe I can work at a university. I love teaching. I will consider becoming an academic,” he adds with a chuckle.
For now, though, his focus remains firmly on Mamelodi Sundowns’ historic goals. “It’s an honour to be part of this club’s success. As an SMU alumnus, it feels incredible to represent the university at this level.”
In a sport obsessed with speed, strength, and strategy, Sepuru reminds us of the steady, healing hands that keep the machine running—quietly but powerfully.
By Tumelo Moila
