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A Dream Answered: Qashani Earns First Banyana Banyana Call-Up

For Siyamthanda Qashani, receiving her first-ever call-up to the South African women's national football team is a moment that carries far more meaning than simply being selected for the national team.

Siyamthanda Qashani

The University of Pretoria Women's FC [AmaTuks] midfielder’s hard work has been rewarded with an opportunity to represent South Africa, but Qashani believes her journey to the national team has been guided by faith, support and the belief of those around her, It is a moment she and her mother prayed for.

“I genuinely believe that I am where I am today because of my mother’s prayers,” Qashani said. “We used to pray for moments like these, and I feel like God has finally answered those prayers in a way that has exceeded my expectations.”


While the call-up is a personal achievement, Qashani was quick to acknowledge the role her teammates and coaches have played in helping her reach this stage.


“The belief they have shown in me has motivated me to believe in myself even more,” she said.


For a player who has always dreamed of receiving a national-team call-up, seeing her name included among the country’s best is a moment she will not forget.


Yet Qashani admits the timing came as a surprise.


“As someone who has always dreamed of receiving a national call-up, this is honestly a dream come true,” she said. “I would be lying if I said I expected it to happen now, because everything happened in such a short space of time.”



Rather than question why the opportunity has arrived now, Qashani is choosing to embrace it.


“I believe in God’s timing, and we cannot go against that,” she said.


The next step is to learn what it takes to move from club football to the international stage. Qashani wants to absorb as much as possible from the players and coaches around her while making the most of every opportunity she receives.


“I want to embrace the experience, adapt to a different environment, learn from the players and coaches around me, and give my absolute best whenever I get the opportunity to contribute,” she said.


Her ambitions do not end with one call-up. Qashani hopes to use the experience as a foundation for future opportunities with Banyana Banyana.


Her first national-team call-up may have arrived sooner than she expected, but after years of dreaming, praying and working towards this moment, Qashani is ready to take her chance.


For a dream that began with a prayer between a daughter and her mother, the next chapter will be written in the green and gold.


Writer: Lindokuhle Smile

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