The FIFA Master is a unique 10-month sport (and not solely football...) Master programme, initiated by FIFA, coordinated by CIES, and taught by three prestigious European universities: De Montfort University (Leicester, UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Milan, IT) and Neuchatel University (Neuchatel, CH), in association with the Università della Svizzera italiana.
What is your current professional activity and your involvement in sport?
I am a Call Centre Agent, Department of Water Affairs Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, National Executive Committee Chairperson, Sport Coordinator based in a municipality ward council, General Secretary and coach of Mamelodi United Football Club, Owner of Dipapading Sports & Promotions CC.
Why did you choose to attend the FIFA/CIES Certificate in Sport Management at NMMU?
I wanted to interact with a diversified group of people from all walks of life in sport so as to gain more knowledge in sport administration, especially, as I am chairing my department's sport. NMMU style of facilitation and lecturing clearly proved to be a good choice and still is.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? and… were they met?
In the beginning, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical at first as to whether NMMU would be able to pull through and provide the program. Yes, NMMU lived up to its reputation as the university of choice.
What would you say are the key strengths of the FIFA/CIES Certificate in Sport Management?
The manner in which the program is conceived (Presentation and Facilitations by lectures) in all subjects created a productive environment for students to participate fully.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
Knowledge of preparing business plans, how best to approach would-be sponsors, conflict resolutions within organizations and the marketing thereof, have all combined to make me more hands-on in terms of sport matters.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
Marketing and Communication modules were for me the best as one was allowed to bring out the best in terms of dealing with the media, and being able to inform the sponsors why one needed funds from them by way of marketing strategies, objectives, SWOT Analysis Matrix.
Would you recommend the FIFA/CIES Certificate in Sport Management? Why?
Yes, I would as I already have recommended six of my colleagues in the department who are serving with me in the National Executive Committee, and just on 26/10/2009, many of my colleagues in the same NEC, are eager to enroll for the course next year.
CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies), located in Neuchatel, is a private Swiss foundation, affiliated with the University of Neuchatel and created in 1995 by FIFA (under the impetus of its current president, Mr. Joseph S. Blatter), the University of Neuchatel, and the City and Canton of Neuchatel.
CIES specialises in three specific domains: law, sociology and economy of sport, with a view to bring together the sporting and the academic worlds. Privileging a pluri-disciplinary approach, CIES provides a wide range of research, education and consultancy services.