Dr Nthabiseng Maesela's remarkable achievements during her MSc Sports Medicine programme at the University of Pretoria exemplify the transformative power of combining rigorous academic training with real-world application.

Whilst completing her studies, Dr Maesela served as Team Doctor for South Africa's Banyana Banyana during the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She also supported youth development programmes, working with the U16 Men's National Team in Poland and the U17 Women's National Team, demonstrating the versatility emphasised by UP's curriculum.

Dr Maesela established herself as an innovative entrepreneur, co-founding the Optimum Sports and Wellness Institute in Polokwane and becoming Managing Director of CB Health Solutions, which operates the University of Johannesburg Sports Clinic.

Her mini-dissertation addressed critical contemporary concerns in sports medicine regarding concussion symptoms, cognitive function, and balance in university athletes, contributing valuable evidence-based research to the field.

Dr Maesela's current role as Medical Commissioner for the Limpopo Academy of Sports reflects her progression from student to leader. Her international credentials include selection as Team Doctor for Team South Africa at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany, FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, and World Rugby certifications.

"Dr Maesela represents everything we strive to achieve in our MSc Sports Medicine programme," says Prof Christa Janse van Rensburg, Head of Department (Section Sports Medicine). "Her ability to excel simultaneously in academic pursuits and international professional practice demonstrates the calibre of leaders our programme produces. She embodies our vision of developing sports medicine professionals who advance the entire discipline."

The University of Pretoria's Faculty of Health Sciences extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr Maesela on her graduation. Her journey validates UP's Sports Medicine programme's global standing and exemplifies its success in producing leaders who advance professional standards from local clinics to international sporting arenas.