Kgetsi Nkoana’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. A true multitasker, Nkoana has found the perfect balance between her love for sports and her flair for baking by enrolling in the UPOnline Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences.

A student of UP’s first fully online undergraduate qualification, she has successfully completed the practical module of the two-year programme. She is a top student in the programme and is on track to be among the first graduates in September 2025. Nkoana balances her studies with running her successful catering business, KM Exquisite Eats, and is gradually achieving her dreams.

A career in sports sciences 

The UPOnline Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences programme is more than just an academic pursuit for Nkoana – it gives her the flexibility to pursue her academic and entrepreneurial goals and is a stepping stone towards her dream of a career in sports sciences. She also hopes to further her studies in physiotherapy.

“This programme provides a comprehensive opportunity to explore various facets of the sports industry,” she says. “The modules target multiple areas within the sector: motor development, nutrition, human movement, recreation, management, and analysis, all of which play a crucial role in enhancing my understanding of the diverse elements involved in sports, whether as a player, coach, or professional within the field.”

Nkoana says she has always brimmed with energy, splitting her time between sports fields and kitchens. A stellar sportswoman in netball and hockey, she endured injuries playing sports, which led to an unexpected fascination with physiotherapy, planting the seed for future studies.

“I have been fortunate to play for the Tuks Youth hockey team, winning the league in 2021, and I’m currently part of the Tuks Netball social league. I have also had the privilege of coaching the under-16 Hoërskool CR Swart netball team. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a sports physiotherapist, focusing on promoting and growing netball in Africa and working towards my dream of opening my bakery before I turn 25.”

Balancing work and studies 

Sport isn’t her only passion – Nkoana’s happiest childhood memories are tied to her family’s kitchen, where her mom and other relatives taught her the art of baking. These lessons became the foundation for KM Exquisite Eats.

She credits the flexibility of UPOnline’s fully online programmes for helping her thrive. “While managing the dual responsibilities of being a student and running a business is mentally and physically exhausting, it pushes me to expand my limits.”

Despite the challenges of late nights and jam-packed days, Nkoana has learned to turn obstacles into opportunities. “There were moments when I had to rush to meet study deadlines while preparing baking orders. But I have learned how to manage my time better, and my mom and family are my biggest supporters. That made all the difference.”