A passion for cooking has landed a local culinary student from Mgobodzi an opportunity to cook for some of the guests at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. Sinekhaya Sinenhlanhla Mnisi said he went through an interview to qualify to become part of this thrilling journey.
The 2022 Fifa World Cup is an international association football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of Fifa’s member associations. It is taking place from November 20 to December 18.
This 21-year-old is currently in Al Wakrah, Qatar, and has been there for more than two weeks. Sharing his experiences, he said working in this industry requires long hours.
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“Effectively working with people who speak multiple languages is something I have had to adjust to. Communication is crucial, and one needs to make means to bridge the language barrier.”
He said the nice part about this industry is the opportunities. “There is no shortage of opportunities, especially to work abroad and expand one’s reach. It is a small industry, so it is wise to work well and build a good name.”
He said the moment he was selected to participate in the interview process, he was certain it would be a success, and he was so thrilled.
“I am currently working for a company contracted to provide catering and hospitality services to spectators and VIP guests for three of the eight stadiums. We cater to guests from all over the world who have paid for different match packages ranging from standard packages to private suites, where there are dedicated chefs per box.”
Mnisi is currently doing his second year of advanced culinary arts at the Capsicum Culinary Studio in Pretoria.
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“I started this course in March 2021 and will complete my studies in 2023. Culinary school was one of the few things at the top of the list after I completed my Grade 12 at Curro Nelspruit in 2020.”
There are nine people in his group who are from South Africa, two of whom are from Mpumalanga. “I was selected by a representative of the school as one of a few candidates to participate in an outside interview process. The interview was with a group that was responsible for recruiting individuals suited to work at the World Cup.”
