Sprinting sensation and Olympian Bayanda Walaza has shocked the nation by choosing to go with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) as his chosen HEI. Some internet users believe this decision might not have been the smartest for his promising track career.
Bayanda Walaza was merely 18 years old when he won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, achieving a feat that few athletes get to boast at an unprecedented age. As the future of South African athletics, the spotlight has been on Bayanda as mzansi has been keeping a close eye on him, eagerly waiting to see which institution would be granted the honour of having the Olympic prospect.
Putting an end to the suspense and anticipation, TUT took to their social media platforms to reveal that Bayanda is one of the many new students who have enrolled at their institution where he will be pursuing a qualification in Supply Chain Management.
Hey TUT Fam!
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our community. Olympic silver medalist, Bayanda Walaza has enrolled at TUT and is now pursuing a qualification in Supply Chain Management.
We wish him all the best in his academic journey! pic.twitter.com/IJ5KYdKYln
— Official TUT (@Official_TUT) January 27, 2025
Despite these being exciting news as TUT boasts the privilege of producing a few world-class athletes such as Caster Semenya, Bongi Mbonambi, Asande Mthembu and many more, internet users could not understand how the youngster would pass up schools such as the University of Pretoria (UP) or North-West University(NWU), with a better track record and facilities.
According to these users, not going to the likes of UP has the potential to hurt his career as he will not have access to the coaches and facilities that they have to offer, and have played an important role in the athletes that have come before Bayanda.
Furthermore, they believe that this is a cause for concern as far as his management is concerned.
rejecting an ncaa scholarship to go school in sunnyside is certainly a choice. https://t.co/59b4ZJTbwr
— Sixolile (@sixo_ashton) January 27, 2025
This boy declined to go to the states, doesn’t end up at TUK or Potch, doesn’t go to UJ all known to be great athletics Univerisities. Ends up at TUT. Is this guy getting managed properly? https://t.co/RHj7NqizX6
— Syler (@sylerSA) January 27, 2025
Doubling down on his decision, the youngster spoke to SABC to reveal his mindset when deciding to attend TUT instead of UP.
“TUT showed me they will support me with every step that I take… they never expected me to do things for them, it’s like they are doing this out of love,” he says.
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