In a triumph that marries national pride with academic excellence, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumnus Felix Nkuna has emerged as a symbol of results-driven leadership after playing a pivotal medical role in South Africa’s historic victory at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. As the sports physiotherapist for South Africa’s U-20 men’s football team, affectionately known as Amajita, Nkuna’s behind-the-scenes expertise was instrumental in keeping the team at peak performance, culminating in a 1–0 win over Morocco in the final held in Egypt on 18 May 2025. His success not only earns him national acclaim but also exemplifies SMU’s core value of effective leadership on the continental stage.
Nkuna’s contribution was vital in keeping the players in peak condition throughout the tournament. “My role is to treat injuries, assist with rehabilitation, and implement preventative strategies,” he explained. “We operate as a team—the coach, sports physician, biokineticist, and myself—to ensure every player is match-fit.”
The success with Amajita is not just a professional milestone—it’s deeply personal for Nkuna, who describes it as the “biggest achievement” of his career so far. “To tell you the truth, this is the biggest thing I have ever achieved. I am now focusing on going to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with them. The tournament will run from 27 September to 19 October 2025,” he said. “This achievement summarises my career.”
Nkuna’s journey to the national team is rooted in resilience, humility, and unwavering faith. Raised in a family of academics, his late father instilled in him a deep respect for education. “My father, who passed away last year, always believed in education. My brothers were academic stars in our community, and I felt a lot of pressure to do well,” he reflected.
After matriculating, Nkuna pursued physiotherapy at SMU, a decision inspired by a senior physiotherapist who lived not far from his village and his own love for football, which he played from Grade 1 to Grade 10. “When I arrived at SMU, I joined the soccer team, but I struggled a bit since I had stayed two years without kicking a ball. Eventually, I found my rhythm playing for a local team called Ajax FC, but by then, I was finishing my degree,” he said.
Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Nkuna furthered his education with a Master’s in Sports Medicine, also at SMU. “I chose to work in sports. I wanted to combine my academic training with my passion,” he explained. Nkuna recalls his university days with fondness. “My time at SMU was nice. My brother, Dr Msuthu Andrea Nkuna, was already an SRC member when I arrived, so things were a bit easier for me. At SMU, you learn to survive with the basics—no need for fancy clothes or flashy cars. We came from humble beginnings. In my corridor, we used to share bread, and I often gave away clothes to those who had less. Now, some of those guys are GPs and allied health professionals. That makes me proud.”
Reflecting on the recent tournament, Nkuna emphasised the unity within the Amajita camp. “This U-20 team is a family. The players, the technical staff, and the medical team—we’re all united. It makes being in camp feel like home. The coach, Raymond Mdaka, always checks on me. Dr Singe Chonco and I have a rare bond—it’s uncommon for a physio and medical doctor to work so well together.”
One of the defining moments of the tournament came when Nkuna and the medical team had to make a tough call regarding a player with an unclear injury. “The coach really needed him, but we were sceptical. After thorough assessment and teamwork, we cleared him—and he ended up playing the whole tournament without any issues.”
Nkuna remains grounded despite his growing reputation. “All in all, I give God the glory. This opportunity has boosted my profile, but it’s by grace. I believe in changing lives positively and being grateful.” To aspiring physiotherapists and students, Nkuna offers this advice: “Don’t look down on yourselves. Take every opportunity seriously. Be humble, respectful, and study hard. Education builds your self-esteem. Enjoy every situation with what you have. No one owes you success—you are in charge of your life.”
By Tumelo Moila
