As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Rugby team, DUT Warrior’s captain Nomusa May to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Nomusa May
Place of birth :Pietermaritzburg
Sport code: Rugby
Position: Lock
Qualification: Diploma in Management Accounting
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined the DUT Warriors in 2022 mid-season.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I loved how disciplined the rugby players were and I fell in love with the sport. Also, it was the sisterhood I was introduced to when I first came to practice.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I play the lock, which is the number 4. The position entails working hand in hand with the front row which is number 1,2,3 and my fellow lock number 5 in scrums and also winning lineouts. The lock benefits the team by gaining possession mostly in lineouts by securing the ball in crucial lineouts and also by balancing the scrum.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Currently I’ve been eyeing tennis, it looks very interesting. The level of fitness that is required to play the sport is very interesting.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have participated in the 2023 University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament, which was hosted in Kimberly in September. A few months back I participated in the Murray Cup where we secured first position playing against Varsity College. It was hosted in Durban North.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “I think it’s very vital for DUT to develop students in sport as sport plays a huge role in one’s mental health. It allows you to escape from your own personal issues and academics. Personally, sport has played a huge role in my life and it has taught me lifelong lessons that will stay with me forever.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “My sports role model is Ilona Maher who plays prop. She plays for the USA Women’s Rugby Team. She speaks a lot about being a very strong woman but yet looking very feminine while doing it. She wears her red lipstick and lifts crazy weights at the gym and she shows her strength on field. She’s a huge advocate for women in sports .”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “It is accountability, which is also aligned with our teams values. Being accountable for your actions, performance and decision on and off the field . The principle being commitment, staying rooted and committed to the team makes it very easy as a player.”
Q: Do you see a future in rugby?
A: “Definitely as a coach and as a player.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “My role has benefitted my community in many ways especially in developing young talent. As a coach training and developing young players in various schools teaching them basic rugby skills.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sport has had a huge impact in my life. It has been such a great eye opener and it has helped me grow not just as a player but also as an individual as well . I’ve learned how to get out of my comfort zone adapt to change faster. Sport for me has been a great teacher that has taught me to push through in all difficulties of life whether on or off the field.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “I would say social media. I would say more activations on campus making everyone aware of the sports code that we have and encourage people to come support if not join certain sports codes.”
