WHEN KwaZulu-Natal teen Asavela Khambule made the KZN Coastal cricket team at the age of 12 he had his sights set on pursuing his studies and cricket in the UK, and that dream has now come true.
Asavela, 18, who matriculated at Kearsney College last year, obtained the required academic pass to secure his entry into one of the UK's leading universities, Loughborough University in Leicestershire.
With a Bachelor of Science in Finance on the horizon, Asavela plans to combine his academic pursuits with his love for cricket, hoping to make significant strides in both fields.
Loughborough University, renowned for its stellar academic and sporting reputation, boasts being named Sports University of the Year for the fourth time by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Asavela, who lives in Everton, said he was very excited and looking forward to starting his studies in the UK later this year.
"I saw the opportunity to explore playing cricket outside South Africa and still be able to study overseas. I chose Loughborough because it's the best sports university. It's a well balanced university, great at academics and sport. They are at the top in the UK as a business university.
"After completing my studies I plan on staying in the UK for at least two years and play cricket before returning to South Africa and hopefully play for the Proteas," said Asavela.
His father, Nhlanhla Khambule, said when Asavela for the first time made the KZN Cricket team in Grade 6, he told him he wanted to play cricket in the UK after matric.
"We agreed then that his dream would need to be balanced with academics. He applied to five top UK universities, and was accepted at all of them. Today, his results have surpassed the stringent academic requirements of the world's best sports university based in the UK," said Khambule.
He said cricket was very big in the UK and was more competitive and received great support.
"This is one of the best sports universities and is very strong in producing cricketers. We want him to play cricket and take advantage of all the opportunities available to him. But he has to also push his academics and achieve well.
"From under 10 D in Grade 4, to under 11 C in Grade 5 and then first team in Grade 6 we could see his determination in playing cricket. We are very proud of Asavela. It is scary to let go of our first born. We did a good job with him and his school. We trust he will be guided by the lessons that we and his school imparted on him," said Khambule.
