Two talented young athletes from Gqeberha are gearing up to wear the Green and Gold on the global stage. Nikithemba Hani and Mondray Barnard, students at IIE Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay, have earned their place to compete at the FISU World University Games in Germany, taking place from 16 to 27 July 2025.
Representing both their country and campus with pride, Hani will compete in the Men’s Long Jump, while Barnard is taking on the Men’s 110m Hurdles.
From NMB to the World
Hani, a fourth-year Bachelor of Education student, has been a force in local athletics. He hit a massive 8.01m jump earlier this year at the Athletics South Africa Grand Prix 2, a personal best he’s aiming to beat in Germany.
Barnard, a first-year Bachelor of Commerce student, is already a standout in the hurdles. He clocked a lightning-fast 13.44 seconds in the 110m Hurdles and is currently ranked 27th in the world, making him the second-fastest hurdler on the African continent. Just last month, his performance at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver in Poland turned heads, confirming his status as a serious international contender.
“More Than Just a Competition”
Barnard says the opportunity to represent South Africa is about more than medals:
“Wearing the Green and Gold comes with a deep sense of pride and responsibility, not just for me, but for everyone who’s supporting my journey.
I want to perform at my absolute best, push my limits, and hopefully inspire others back home to pursue their dreams through sport. This is a chance to grow, both on and off the track.”
Proudly IIE Varsity College
Both athletes will compete under the banner of IIE Varsity College, part of the Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), a brand known for supporting sporting excellence alongside academic achievement.
Whether it’s the long jump runway or the hurdles track, Nikithemba and Mondray are set to make South Africa, and Gqeberha, proud.
We’ll be cheering you on every step, and stride, of the way.
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