We continue to showcase the ambitious students pursuing their athletic and academic goals at universities in the UK in 2024.
With over 50 sports available alongside their studies, the UK is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for international students, including South African cyclist Tshila Munyai, who is poised to excel in both his academic and athletic pursuits later this year.
Tshila’s journey into cycling began at 19, after a football injury led him to discover a passion for the sport. Rapidly advancing through South Africa’s competitive ranks, both provincially and nationally, he utilized our free service to explore a variety of opportunities at schools that could support his ambitions of one day competing on the global stage.
After a successful appearance at the 2024 South African National Track Championships, where he won gold in the Team Sprint, Tshila has accepted an offer to join the prestigious cycling program at the University of Derby, where he will be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In this interview, Tshila shares insights into his background, ambitions, and the motivations behind his decision to study and compete in the UK.
Meet Tshila
Studied in South Africa at the Impaq Online School.
Has competed at South Africa’s highest level (Provincially and Nationally) as an elite rider for the last 3 years.
Three time medallist at the South African National Track Championships including Gold at the 2024 Championships.
Will be joining one of the UK’s top university cycling programs and pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Can you tell us about your cycling background and how you got started?
“My sporting career started as a footballer from primary school until the age of 15 until I suffered an injury, and used cycling as a way to rehabilitate myself. I did get back into football for two more years but the pathway became a bit too thin. From there, I spent a lot of time in the gym trying to get strong enough to possibly get into powerlifting or weightlifting. I would only casually ride my bike for cardio.
My track cycling journey started 3 years ago, at the age of 19. I signed up for a track intro class with very little group riding experience, this is where I would say I truly learned how to ride a bike.
I instantly fell in love with the sport especially going fast in the sprints. I focused more on the sprinting side as I grew in the sport and raced as much as I could while still training hard. My dedication to track cycling has made myself and my family very proud of my achievements over the years, in being able to become a National Champion and race overseas.”
Born and raised in South Africa, Tshila Munyai’s journey into cycling began unexpectedly after a football injury at the age of 15. Initially using cycling as part of his rehabilitation, Tshila soon discovered a passion for the sport. It was during a track class that he experienced the exhilarating speed of sprinting, and he quickly fell in love with the thrill of the ride.
What motivated you to pursue your studies in the UK?
“My reasons for choosing to study in the UK versus South Africa would be because Track Cycling is a collegiate sport in the UK, and while doing that I’ll be able to complete my degree. As well as being near surrounding European countries, where most of the high-level races are held.
Their advancement in their curriculum is aligned with the working industry and their potential work placement was a big factor in deciding to go to the University of Derby. As well as being near a world-class velodrome.
Being able to train week in and out on a wooden indoor velodrome and race there would help me exponentially increase my performance.”
As Tshila Munyai progressed in the sport, he honed his focus on sprinting, competing in as many races as possible while maintaining a rigorous training regimen. His dedication paid off, leading him to become a National Champion at the South African National Track Championships and gaining valuable experience racing overseas.
What are your long term ambitions in cycling?
“Going to the Olympics being the pinnacle of our sport, would be my ultimate dream, but as well competing at The Commonwealth Games and World Champs are equally as important to me.
We have a good group of riders coming out of South Africa and I’m confident we will be a strong nation when competing around the world in the next decade.”
By studying in the UK, where track cycling is a university sport, Tshila will pursue his dreams of one day reaching the Olympics in an environment that offers ample opportunities to compete. The UK’s proximity to European countries, where most high-level races occur, was an important factor in his decision, providing him with the chance to consistently measure himself against top international competition.
Can you describe your experience working with our team during the university search and application process?
“It’s been great. Though it isn’t a hard process, there are a few things that anyone outside of the UK wouldn’t be familiar with when applying for University. And any question or query that I had the team was able to explain it to me and help me understand.
Some part of me feels I should’ve contacted them earlier but I’m still happy that I took the leap and reached out. ”
What are you most looking forward to ahead of your first year in the UK?
“The change of scenery, learning different concepts, and of course training and racing at a high level.
As much as I do want to be a full-time professional athlete, without major sponsors it’s hard to make a living out of track cycling. So completing my degree in a career path that I enjoy would help me to make a living while still pursuing my track cycling dreams.”
Interested in continuing your sporting career and education at a UK University? We can help!
We proudly work with the leading sporting and academic institutions throughout the U.K. and are able to offer international students of all ages and levels of study the opportunity to combine their preferred academic qualifications with their sporting ambitions.
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