LAUSANNE — Muzi Mamba from Eswatini is the proud recipient of the prestigious annual scholarship awarded to a candidate of the Master of Sport Administration programme at the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) in Sochi. FISU had presented Mamba’s candidature for the programme and scholarship for the academic year 2019-2020.
The 33-year-old lecturer and handball coach will begin the one-year Masters programme – endorsed by the International Olympic Committee – on 23 September. The programme will conclude in June 2020.
“I see myself developing professionally in terms of academics and technical know-how of different sporting activities,” says Mamba of his immediate goals related to the programme.
On a long-term basis, he says, “I see myself introducing sports to the youth in different communities. I would love to create an online community where students, coaches and teachers can join the conversation.”
The MSA at RIOU is a full time programme with a focus on further development of sports professionals who already have work experience.
The recipient of the same scholarship last year, Mohammad Baghdadi of Lebanon says it was a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ for him.
Mohammad Baghdadi, 2018 Scholarship recipient, RIOU MSA“This past year has been absolutely amazing in terms of the knowledge I gained and the experiences that I had. It was certainly a once in a life time chance, and I’m very grateful,” he says.
“The experience that I cherish the most from my year at RIOU is that I got to be part of a diverse class with students from 23 different nationalities. I was lucky to be given the opportunity to understand different cultures, hear stories about different countries and backgrounds, and be part of a diverse community. At the end of the year, we became more than just classmates, we had become more like brothers and sisters.”
“The level of teaching was exceptional too,” he adds. “We had a chance to learn from leaders and pioneers of various subjects.”
Baghdadi also has a message for the incoming candidate Muzi Mamba. “Cultivate each and every moment as a student at RIOU,” says Baghdadi to Mamba. “Expand your knowledge and grasp every chance to get to know your peers. Enjoy the amazing weather, the food and lifestyle at Sochi because the year will end sooner than you expect and what will remain is strong memories.”
In keeping with FISU’s motto of ‘Today’s Stars, Tomorrow’s Leaders’, FISU partners with RIOU to provide opportunities to promising young people from its member associations. More information on the RIOU Master of Sport Administration is available here.