Olympic medallist Bayanda Walaza has revealed the reason why he chose to pursue his tertiary studies at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) over his initial preference for the University of Pretoria (UP/Tuks)
The 18-year-old previously claimed that he would study logistics at UP/Tuks following his Matric Bachelor Pass at Curro Hazeldean last year.
BAYANDA WALAZA ON CHOOSING TUT OVER TUKS
Speaking to SABC Sport, Bayanda Walaza revealed that he had changed his mind about studying at the University of Pretoria – casually referred to as UP or Tuks.
Instead, he opted to go with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), which he believes made him a better offer. The teen will study supply chain management and logistics.
He said: “TUT showed me that they will support me in every step that I take. They told me that: ‘We will do this and this.’ They never expected me to do things for them. It’s like they are doing this out of love.”
He continued: “I felt like it was different from UP because at UP, it was like, they told me that you need to do this and this. TUT showed that they truly wanted me to be there and they are doing by all means to make sure that I get everything that I need.”
Images via Instagram:
@baya_the_great/ X: @siviwe_gwarube
STICKING WITH HIS COACH?
Last year, Bayanda Walaza revealed that he had turned down opportunities to study abroad.
He told ESPN, “There were opportunities from outside [South Africa]. There were a lot of [US colleges] that came up to me and said: ‘It will be a good opportunity for you to come this side
He continued: “But I came with the decision that I’ll stay here in South Africa.
“South Africa has all the equipment that we need for people to be fast. We have fast people here. Even Akani Simbine – the best sprinter that we have in South Africa – never went to the USA.”
At the time, Bayanda Walaza said that he would continue to work with coach Thabo Matebedi, fondly known as “Coach T.” The retired runner is affiliated with both Curro Hazeldean and UP/TuksSport.
TUT CHAMPIONS
While Bayanda Walaza may not have opted for UP/Tuks, his preference – TUT – has produced many world-class champions.
They include runners like Caster Semenya, Stephen Mokoka, Banyana star Refiloe Jane and, Springboks Andre Snyman and Bongi Mbonambi.
DID BAYANDA WALAZA MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION TO STUDY IN SA?
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