‘Never Lose Sight of Your Goals’

‘Never Lose Sight of Your Goals’

U19 South African netball player Ms Jordan Buys, who has been awarded a Sports Scholarship says that her journey at UKZN has been marked by highs and lows, but she has remained steadfast in pursuit of her goals.

Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Social Science degree, she admits that her academic journey has not always been easy as she has always loved sport more than academics, but credits UKZN staff for helping her to remain focused and achieve results. Her career goal is to enter the high school space and positively influence young minds with the ultimate aim of becoming a principal. ‘It would mean so much to be a part of a school that gives learners the same opportunities I had.’

Buys has big dreams and aspires to represent South Africa on the world stage as a Spar Netball Protea player. This year, she was selected for both the KwaZulu-Natal Kingdom Stars and the U19 South African Netball Squad. She has also represented UKZN at the University Sport South Africa’s (USSA) Netball Tournament, winning a bronze medal and securing promotion to the Premier A Division. She will represent the province at the upcoming U21 provincial tournament.

Her achievements are all the more impressive as she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in July 2022, leading to surgery and a nine-month recovery. ‘Some challenges arise so that you can see that the biggest battles are for the strongest warriors. Never lose yourself in the challenges you face,’ she advises.

Buys credits an incredible support system which enabled her to fight her way back. She makes special mention of the head coaches of the UKZN central netball team, Ms Precious Mthembu and Ms Kallipa Gibisela, her physiotherapists Ms Tereasa Moller and Burger and her mom Mrs Nathalie Buys, whom she described as strong female role models. Their belief in her when she didn’t believe in herself kept her going.

UKZN has taught her the value of hard work and she is grateful for the scholarship. ‘I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals in order to show my gratitude to the University and will keep flying the UKZN flag high and with pride throughout my journey.’ 

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photograph: Albert Hirasen