Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to demonstrate its global impact in health sciences education through the remarkable achievements of alumnus and current PhD candidate Thabo Sekwati, who recently served as the physiotherapist for the South Africa national football team, popularly known as Bafana Bafana, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sekwati was part of the national team’s medical staff as Bafana Bafana made history by reaching the last 32 knockout stage of the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Originally from Mamone village in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune district, Sekwati’s journey to the world’s biggest football stage began at Tenyane Secondary School, where he completed his matric in 2006. He enrolled at the then University of Limpopo’s Medunsa Campus in 2007 before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 2009. He later completed a Master of Science in Physiotherapy in 2019 and is currently pursuing a PhD at SMU, focusing on the development of a physiotherapy fatigue management protocol for footballers.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Sekwati credited SMU for laying the foundation for his professional success.
“The education I received at SMU played a crucial role in shaping my career by equipping me with the essential knowledge, skills and experience needed for the sports industry,” he said.
His rise to the national team is the result of years of dedication and continuous professional development. After joining the South African Football Association (SAFA) database in 2016, he completed specialised training, including the FIFA Online Football Medicine Diploma, while balancing other professional commitments.
His breakthrough came in 2018 when he received a call-up to serve the South African under-17 men’s team. Between 2018 and 2021, he worked with the under-17 and under-20 national teams before earning promotion to the senior Bafana Bafana squad under coach Hugo Broos.
“I was excited but also nervous. The pressure is immense at the senior national level, but once you understand that anatomy and physiology remain the same regardless of the level, everything falls into place,” he explained.
As part of the national team’s medical staff, Sekwati plays a vital role in ensuring players remain fit and match-ready. His responsibilities include injury assessments, treatment interventions, rehabilitation planning and working closely with team doctors, coaches and nutrition specialists to optimise player performance.
“Our day starts early with meetings to review player health, treatment plans and nutrition strategies. We conduct clinical assessments, provide treatments and ensure that players are physically prepared to perform at their best,” he said.
Among the greatest challenges he faces is managing multiple injuries during major tournaments while balancing the emotional well-being of athletes eager to compete.
“Players want to play, but sometimes their bodies do not cooperate. Managing their emotional and psychological well-being is just as important as treating the injury itself,” he noted.
Representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup remains the pinnacle of his professional journey.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the success of our national team and to showcase the expertise that South African physiotherapists can offer on the global stage,” he said.
Despite his achievements, Sekwati remains focused on the future.
“I want to continue contributing to sports physiotherapy through research, innovation and mentorship. I also hope to establish a sports recovery centre that will help athletes reach their full potential while advancing the profession in South Africa,” he said.
Sekwati’s accomplishments embody SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. His journey from a small village in Limpopo to the global stage of the FIFA World Cup highlights the University’s commitment to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals who continue to advance research, healthcare and human performance around the world.
By Tumelo Moila
