In a historic achievement that is set to challenge perceptions of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, False Bay TVET College has completed the qualification rounds and earned a spot in the prestigious UCT Internal Soccer Leagues. This marks the first time a TVET institution has advanced to this level of competition in Cape Town, where universities and private higher education institutions have traditionally held alleged dominance, both academically and athletically.
The Soccer Leagues, known for their rigorous and highly competitive sports events, have been the exclusive domain of larger universities. TVET colleges, often perceived as the “lesser” option for post-secondary education, have traditionally been seen as focusing primarily on technical training rather than providing the same academic and athletic opportunities. However, False Bay TVET College is proving that this long-standing notion is outdated, showing that TVET education can provide students with well-rounded opportunities to succeed in both the classroom and on the sports field.
The college’s team, after months of preparation and hard work, successfully navigated through the qualification rounds, which involved a series of intense matches against some of the most established institutions in the region. Their success has already begun to shift the narrative surrounding TVET education in South Africa, placing the spotlight on the potential of these institutions to offer world-class athletic and academic experiences.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and coaches for their hard work and dedication,” said Ms Charlene Matthews, Acting Principal of False Bay TVET College. “This achievement is not only a triumph for our college but also a statement that TVET institutions have a lot to offer. Our students have continuously shown that they can compete at the highest levels, both academically and athletically.”
The qualification rounds, which took place over several weeks, saw False Bay TVET College go up against some of the most competitive teams in Cape Town. The team’s resilience and determination were evident as they surpassed expectations and earned their place in the UCT Internal Soccer Leagues, setting a new benchmark for TVET colleges across the country.
For students like Ayabonga Freddy, a standout player on the college’s soccer team, the journey to the Soccer Leagues is a dream come true. “I’ve always believed that TVET colleges can compete with anyone, and now we have the chance to prove it,” Ayabonga said. “It’s not just about the sport; it’s about showing that TVET education equips us with the skills and mindset to succeed in all areas of life.”
This historic milestone comes at a time when TVET colleges are striving to shift public perception and demonstrate their ability to provide both vocational training and opportunities for personal and professional growth. With their success in the UCT Internal Soccer Leagues, False Bay TVET College is leading the charge in closing the gap between TVET institutions and their university counterparts.
“The success of False Bay TVET College is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our athletes, coaches, and staff,” said the soccer coach, Geyrodien Alexander. “We’ve always believed that our students can achieve great things, and this is just the beginning. We hope that our success will encourage other TVET colleges to follow suit and prove that TVET education is an invaluable option for students looking to succeed in both academics and athletics.”
False Bay TVET College’s triumph in the qualification rounds of the Soccer Leagues is a game-changer for the TVET sector, challenging outdated views and paving the way for more TVET students to pursue excellence in all areas of life. As the college now prepares to compete in the Soccer Leagues, its success represents a bright future for TVET institutions and a powerful message that they are closing the gap with universities and private colleges.
