The Zulus are one of the most revered tribes in Africa

Anna Lane has got permission from the university to ship the pitch to Isandlwana in KwaZulu-Natal and local people are very keen to accept the gift.

Now the 22-year-old is trying to find a way of transporting it.

The pitch is no longer needed as the university is building a new sports complex next to the recently completed National Pool at Sketty Lane.

It would be used by scores of children in Isandlwana as well as the region's soccer team who are the national champions.

The village became famous after 1,300 British soldiers and South Africa Volunteers were defeated there by a Zulu army in 1897.

Miss Lane said: "I have a great passion for South Africa and international development and strongly believe a project like this would benefit the local community of Isandlwana a great deal.

Anna Lane: 'The Zulu chief is extremely excited.'

"The pitch would not only serve as a soccer pitch but could be used for other sports such as netball, touch rugby and athletics.

"The school itself has an enormous catchment area with children walking up to two hours each day to attend."

She said the university's estates manager and head of sports development are supporting the idea.

She has been in contact with the armed services to see if they can transport the pitch although she is also keen to explore other avenues.

"I have organized for people who are in the know to actually help fit the pitch when we are out in Isandlwana," she added.

"I am still to find people to help take up the pitch in Swansea and transport it.

"This could involve rolling up the 2.5M strips of turf, transporting it to Swansea docks, or indeed in other ways.

"The contacts out in South Africa are extremely excited as is the Zulu chief who has given permission for such a project to be carried forward."