Skip to main content

"I think you need to focus on academics and make sure that you finish school" Amogelang Motau.

Sasol Banyana Banyana have progressed to the third round of the CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, where they are scheduled to face Angola in February or March 2027 as the road to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games continues. The remaining 16 African nations will compete in this round, with fixtures to be announced by the Confederation of African football (CAF) ahead of the match window.

Amogelang Motau


South Africa secured their progression with a 7-0 aggregate victory over Madagascar, winning the second leg 3-0 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 13 October. Gabriela Salgado-Moodaly opened the scoring shortly after half-time before substitute Ronnel Donnelly netted twice to seal the win.


Amogelang Motau, who was named in the starting lineup of the second leg, reflected on the importance of the result and the team’s continued growth.


“Today’s game was a good one. It was one of the games we needed to win to make sure we progressed to the next round of qualifiers, and that was the most important thing. The atmosphere was amazing, and the crowd was incredible. I hope we can come back to Bloemfontein again. It was also a great opportunity for us to try new things and bring in new players. I think we got our perspective right today”.


Motau, a former TuksSport High School and University of the Western Cape (UWC) alumni also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young players to progress from school football to the professional game, emphasising the need to focus on academics alongside sports.

  

“First of all, I want to thank Sasol for making this possible and for giving us a platform to show young girls that it is possible to become professional football players as South Africans. But firstly, I think you need to focus on academics and make sure that you finish school. Then you can pursue school sports and, after that, take the next step into varsity football. These steps can help you become a professional player one day”.


Meanwhile, Siyamthanda Qashani who plays for the University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) in the domestic league was one of the latest additions to the national team, she described her experience in camp as a positive one.

Siyamthanda Qashani


“I feel great. It has been a wonderful experience. I’m so happy that the team managed to win. We made it through teamwork”.


Qashani, who is the current top goalscorer in South Africa's Hollywoodbets Super League with eight goals this season added that she felt welcomed by her teammates and was pleased with the support she received, particularly from the senior players. She also spoke about the importance of following the team’s protocols and learning from the experience as she continues to settle into the national setup.


“As the latest member of the team, I feel like a new baby. Everyone is taking care of me and making sure I follow every protocol. They make sure I feel welcomed, and I truly appreciate how everyone has welcomed me into the team. I’m also happy because everyone is motivating me. Everyone is patient with me and guiding me”.


With the Madagascar tie behind them, Banyana Banyana will now shift their focus to the next stage of their Olympic qualifying campaign. The two-leg victory provides a positive platform for the squad as they continue their pursuit of a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.


Writer: Galaletsang Moseja

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WAFCON Player Profile: Isabella Ludwig – The Midfield Maestro At Continental Stage

At just 23 years old, Isabella Alexa Ludwig has emerged as one of South Africa's brightest young midfielders. Her composed performances, technical ability and maturity beyond her years have earned her a place in Banyana Banyana's squad for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where she will represent South Africa on the continent's biggest stage. Player Profile Full Name: Isabella Alexa Ludwig Date of Birth: 13 December 2002 Age: 23 Nationality: South African Position: Midfielder Current Club: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Squad Number: 8 From Domestic Football to the National Team Ludwig's rise through South African women's football has been built on consistency and impressive performances in the domestic game. After helping TUKS Ladies reach the 2022 Sasol League National Championship final, she joined Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in 2025, where she has continued her development in one of the country's most successful clubs. Her performances did not...
Post a Comment
Read more

Basia Michaels: FIFA Agent and Former UJ Women's Football Captain

As the 2024-25 season transfer window in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) draws to a close at midnight, the role of football agents becomes more critical than ever. Behind the scenes, agents like Basia Michaels, a ground breaking agent in the football industry, are navigating the complexities of player negotiations, transfers, and career management.  Basia Michaels © IG: (Basia Michaels) Basia is not just any agent—she's a former captain of the University of Johannesburg Women’s Football team and played with the historical squad that clinched the first Varsity Football title in 2013, a significant achievement in her football career. Now, as one of the few female FIFA agents in South Africa, Basia plays a pivotal role in shaping the careers of top talents in South African football. We had the chance to speak with Basia Michaels to discuss her journey from player to agent and her thoughts on the evolving landscape of football management. Q: Could you define your job title a...
1 comment
Read more

From Dreams to Reality: Inside the World of TUT Matsatsantsa's Thabiso Senyatsi.

Meet Thabiso Senyatsi, a rising star in South African women's football. At just 20 years old, she has already made a name for herself as a forward for TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies Football Club in the Hollywoodbets Super League.  Thabiso Senyatsi © Gallo Images Known for her incredible goal-scoring ability, Thabiso is one of TUT's leading top goal scorers, and her journey through the ranks of South African football is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days at First Touch Academy to her time at the Limpopo Sport School of Excellence, Thabiso's dedication and passion for the game have propelled her to the forefront of women's football. Get ready to learn more about this dynamic player who is quickly becoming a household name. Can you tell us about your early years? Where did you grow up?  I was always overlooked by my family because of my marks [academics] so what helped me a lot was [playing] soccer along the way. I’m from Moletjie Mabokelele in Polokwane. How did yo...
Post a Comment
Read more