MBOMBELA – Former DUT FC midfielder and final-year Business and Information Management student Nhlakanipho Ngwenya has taken the next major step in his football career after signing with TS Galaxy FC ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The move marks the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the talented midfielder and further strengthens the Durban University of Technology’s reputation for developing footballers capable of competing at the highest level.
Originally from Mayflower in Mpumalanga, Ngwenya joined DUT in 2024 with aspirations of balancing his academic studies with a successful football career. His talent was quickly recognised during the Freshers Cup, where he impressed coaches and earned a place in the DUT FC squad.
His rise through the university’s football ranks was swift.
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During DUT’s inaugural Varsity Football campaign, Ngwenya etched his name into the institution’s history by scoring the University’s first-ever Varsity Football goals. One of the standout moments came when he netted a vital equaliser against defending champions Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), underlining his ability to perform when it mattered most.
His influence extended beyond Varsity Football. Ngwenya was also instrumental in helping Upton Residence win the 2024 DUT Residence League title, highlighting the important role the University’s residence sports programme plays in identifying and developing talented student-athletes.
His progression from residence football to Varsity Football, followed by a move to Durban City FC and now the Betway Premiership with TS Galaxy, reflects the opportunities that university sport can create for aspiring professionals.
During the 2024 Varsity Football campaign, Ngwenya openly shared his ambitions.
“Given a chance to choose between anything and football, I will always choose football, and I’m one of the players hoping to get a professional contract after the tournament,” he said.
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Just two years later, that ambition has become reality.
Reflecting on his move to TS Galaxy FC, an emotional Ngwenya described the signing as the reward for years of dedication and perseverance.
“It feels like a dream coming true. Those who know me know how long I’ve been longing to play in the Betway Premiership. Thanks to the Man above and the Chairman of TS Galaxy for believing in me.”
His journey from campus football to the professional game highlights the strength of DUT’s football development pathway and the value of competitions such as the Residence League and Varsity Football in preparing players for elite competition.
As Ngwenya begins the next chapter of his career with TS Galaxy, the entire DUT community celebrates his achievement and wishes him every success in South Africa’s top flight.
His story is a testament to perseverance, hard work and self-belief, demonstrating that with talent, commitment and the right opportunities, dreams nurtured on campus can become reality on the country’s biggest football stage.
