Joseph “Dan” Ntseke, a physiotherapist at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Sport, embodies the power of dreams, education, and determination. His remarkable journey took him from a village north of Pretoria to working with top athletes on the international stage.
Ntseke’s passion for physiotherapy stemmed from witnessing patients recover from debilitating conditions. He completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Physiotherapy at Medunsa, paving the way for his successful career. Growing up, he was an ordinary young man from the dusty streets of Hammanskraal, a township north of the City of Tshwane.
Like many black, township kids, Ntseke attended public government schools, starting at Setumo-Sephete Primary and later went to Sengana Primary before completing his matric at Nchaupe High School.
From Local Teams to Global Recognition
Ntseke’s expertise has been sought after by numerous teams and national squads. He has worked with the South African junior and senior teams across various federations such as Athletics South Africa, South African Football Association, and Cricket South Africa, among others. He also worked with national teams from other countries (Malawi Cricket Team and Indonesia Women’s Cricket Team, among many others). He joined UJ Sport in 2022 following a fruitful, lengthy relationship with Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
His impressive resume includes prestigious international events such as:
- Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020)
- Paralympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012)
- FIFA World Cup 2010 (South Africa)
- Commonwealth Games, and Youth Olympic Games
Ntseke emphasises the vast career opportunities available to aspiring physiotherapists, highlighting the growing demand in sports. He currently works with UJ Sport’s Cricket and Hockey teams, sharing his expertise with student athletes.
Continuous Growth
Ntseke remains dedicated to professional development. He is planning to further studies to enhance his skills and knowledge. He describes his work as challenging yet fulfilling. “This profession includes long days managing athletes’ pre-training, in-training, and post-training needs to ensure their peak performance.
Ntseke acknowledges UJ’s well-equipped facilities and professional personnel, which creates an environment conducive to athlete success. “The correlation between resources and team performance on the global stage makes the difference in how athletes perform in various competitions at the highest levels,” says Ntseke.
His story serves as an inspiration to young people, demonstrating that success is achievable regardless of one’s background. “It’s the pursuit of dreams, fueled by education and perseverance, that shapes one’s destiny. I am happy and grateful to be where I am today. I thank all the mentors and ordinary citizens who have shaped my resolve to be where I am,” says Ntseke.
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