Mkhuhlu physiotherapist's passion for soccer soars with Amajita
A passionate 29-year-old sports physiotherapist's dedication has taken his career to great heights. Felix Nkuna is living his dream as the physiotherapist for the 2025 African Cup of Nations winners, the South African men's U20 team, dubbed Amajita.
He has held this position since 2022, when Amajita participated in the Cosafa Cup tournament in eSwatini. Although the team came third that year and did not qualify for the U20 FIFA World Cup, Nkuna said his first year with Amajita gave him the opportunity to work with two talented soccer players, Relebogile Mofokeng and Mduduzi Tshabalala.
Nkuna pursued a degree in physiotherapy at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Pretoria before specialising in sports medicine for his master's degree. He has worked as a physiotherapist at Shongwe Hospital in Nkomazi and Mmamethlake Hospital near KwaMhlanga.
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Nkuna said that support from his family has contributed greatly to his success as a sports doctor.
'My family encouraged me to study hard as they are academics themselves. They played an important role in shaping my educational path. Soccer is my passion, and I have the privilege of merging education and sports into a career I love,' he said.
He played soccer from the age of six, which helped him become street-smart and learn soccer skills and tactics from a young age. As a physiotherapist, Nkuna shared some advice for up-and-coming players on how to take care of themselves for a successful career in sports.
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'Stay away from bad habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, and having multiple sexual partners. These behaviours are major obstacles that can destroy your dreams,' he said.
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