Kaizer Chiefs legend Ntsie Maphike graduates with LLB from Unisa

In an inspiring journey that blends athletic prowess with academic achievement, Kaizer Chiefs legend Ntsie Maphike has graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Unisa.

Born and raised in Rockville, Soweto, Maphike is the youngest of four children, all of whom are university graduates. His late father was a university professor who instilled a deep appreciation for education in his family. This legacy of learning was evident early on, as Maphike attended Phefeni Senior Secondary School in Orlando West, Soweto, before earning a Senior Teachers Diploma from Soweto College of Education.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Ntsie Maphike graduates with LLB from Unisa

Balancing his dual passions for education and soccer, he managed to complete his (BA) and BA (Hons) degrees while playing professionally for the Kaizer Chiefs football club. During his illustrious decade-long career with Kaizer Chiefs, Maphike won nearly every trophy available, cementing his status as a club legend. Towards the end of his soccer career, he registered for a Masters Diploma in Education (ME Dip).

Following his soccer career, he was recruited to lecture at the Soweto College of Education, a position he held for four years until the institution's closure. Transitioning from academia to coaching, he returned to Kaizer Chiefs as an Academy Coach before eventually becoming the club's Education Officer. In this role, he oversees the academic needs of all players, both professional and developmental, leveraging his strong academic background and passion for education.

Despite his successes in education and soccer, Maphike remained driven to fulfil a promise he made to his late father: to pursue legal studies. His father's encouragement to study law, especially noting that many of his grandchildren were lawyers, motivated him to continue his academic journey even after his father's passing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Facing the challenges of being a mature student in a technological age, Maphike persevered through deferred modules and the complexities of distance learning. His support system, particularly his wife, played a crucial role in keeping him focused and motivated. The flexibility of Unisa's study schedule allowed him to balance his responsibilities as an employee and family man effectively.

Reflecting on his journey, Maphike emphasises the importance of discipline, a quality he believes is essential for success at Unisa. He acknowledges the institution's high academic standards and the rigorous demands placed on its students, noting that only the disciplined will succeed.

Now, with his LLB in hand, he aims to become an admitted attorney specialising in property development and registration, including notaries and conveyancing. His latest passion, however, is to spend more time with his wife and children, embracing the balance between his professional aspirations and personal life.

Asked to advise fellow sportspeople regarding pursuing an education, specifically at an inclusive and enabling institution like Unisa, he says: "Education is for a lifetime compared to football, which only has a life span of about ten years if one is lucky. The simple choice is, do you want to go on pension at the age of thirty (30) or sixty-five (65)? Life is about making good choices."

Maphike's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of education, and the enduring impact of a supportive family. He inspires all who strive to balance multiple passions and achieve their dreams.

*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Editor: Internal Communications, Department of Institutional Advancement