Sijabulile Ndlovu: A Masandawana Experience

Marketing Intern

As a student majoring in marketing, I was overjoyed when I got the call that I had been selected as one of the recipients of the internship program. My main goal was to learn as much as I could and gain work experience that would equip me to excel in the corporate world.
My relationship with my mentor.

On the first day of my internship, I was introduced to the Mamelodi Sundowns Brand & Marketing Manager, Kylie Dunywa. Before the commencement of my internship, I was a bit worried that my introverted nature would hinder my progress and make it difficult for me to work with my colleagues, particularly my mentor. However, Kylie’s benevolent nature made it easy for me to build a good working relationship with her.

We had an open line of communication which made it easier for me to make suggestions about anything regarding the club. Additionally, I worked with my mentor on the club’s digital magazine which I believe strengthened our working relationship and enhanced my ability to collaborate with others.

Overall, my mentor has taught me various of significant skills such as liaising with external parties, business email etiquette and formulating presentations among other things. Her patience and dedication to teaching me the club’s organisational culture has made this experience memorable.

The World Football Summit

The biggest highlight of my internship journey was attending one of the football fraternity’s greatest events, the world Football Summit. I was honoured to be assigned to the duty of representing the Mamelodi Sundowns brand at the summit. I got the opportunity to interact with various people from our brand’s multifarious nature. One of the best moments of the summit was the conversation I had with Kwa Zulu Natal’s first woman Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

Key takeaways from my internship

During our internship induction, we were advised to be versatile, flexible and willing to learn from everyone by the football club’s Chairman. I have kept that piece of advice close to my heart and have been open to learning about Mamelodi Sundowns. After spending a few months with the Masandawana family at Chloorkop, I can proudly say that I have not only achieved my goal of learning as much as I can but have also made a multitude of beautiful memories that I will cherish forever. Notably, my self-confidence has improved throughout this journey. This internship has taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities.