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?
Facility officer manager with the Department of Sport, Recreation and Amenities - Local government.
Initiating and management of sport and recreation projects within designated urban renewal area.
Why did you choose to attend the FIFA/CIES Certificate in Sport Management at NMMU?
In order to gain more expertise and skill regarding management of sport and amenities. The format and the modules covered were very appealing and relevant.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? and were they met?
My expectation was to come out of the course with the necessary skills, understanding and attitude to enable me to further my career within area of business in sport. My expectations were surpassed.
What would you say are the key strengths of the FIFA/CIES Certificate in Sport Management?
The facilitators, course content, and the structure of the format (block release), are key strengths which make the course so good.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
I am in a job designation where I am required to be multi-functional, and all of the modules have enabled me to perform different tasks more confidently and more effectively.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
The friendships and networks I have formed.
Would you recommend the FIFA/CIES Certificate in Sport Management? Why?
Yes, the quality of the course will ensure that sport and the management in South Africa is taken to the international standard level. Graduates of this certification will be able to make a difference at all levels in sport.
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.