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Showing posts with the label rising stars

WAFCON Spotlight: Players to Watch – Zoe October

At just 18 years old, Zoe October has become the youngest player in South Africa's squad for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking another milestone in what is shaping up to be a remarkable rise through the ranks of South African women's football. Zoe October  The University of the Western Cape (UWC) attacking midfielder heads to Morocco as part of the Banyana Banyana travelling squad, highlighting not only her immense talent but also the growing impact of the Hollywoodbets Super League in developing the country's next generation of stars. For October, the call-up is the reward for years of dedication and steady progression through the national team pathway. Having already represented South Africa at youth level, she now finds herself sharing a dressing room with some of the country's most accomplished footballers as Banyana Banyana defend their continental crown and chase qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. A Bright Future ...

From Sunflower FC to Mamelodi Sundowns: Meet Asanda Hadebe

In this exclusive Q & A, we dive into the vibrant world of Asanda Hadebe, Mamelodi Sundowns' dynamic new signing from Sunflower FC! As the former captain of her team, Asanda brings not only her impressive football skills but also her leadership prowess to the pitch. Image: Asanda Hadebe, 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup photoshoot It's time to peel back the layers to reveal the person behind the athlete. From her early days kicking a ball around in her hometown to the passions and pursuits that drive her off the field, this is your chance to get to know Asanda Hadebe like never before.  Join us for a fun and engaging journey into the life of Banyana Ba Style’s newest star  as she prepares to join seven of her Sundowns teammates on the national squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Senegal. Q: Welcome to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, Asanda! What’s been the most exciting part of joining the team so far? A: Thank you for welcoming me! The most exciting part of...

Meet Nonkosi Twayise: The Trailblazing Coach Steering WITS Junior Through Pirates Cup

The Pirates Cup tournament, held from March 28th to April 1st, brought together young male and female soccer players for an exhilarating display of talent and teamwork. Among the highlights of the event was an exclusive interview with Nonkosi Twayise, a former student-athlete who made her coaching debut with the WITS Junior team in the women's division. Nonkosi Twayise in action for WITS during an official Sasol League match. Twayise’s love for the game took a turn during her time at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she not only pursued her studies in Banking and Economics but also showcased her talent on the football field. Fast forward to today and she finds herself in a new role – that of a coach. But her fascination for football goes back to when she was just a spectator as a young girl. “I used to be a hockey lover, I played this sport [hockey] in primary school. Football was one of those sports I used to go watch as my older brother used to play, which then triggere...

Beyond Boundaries: Lesego Nkoane Shares the Thrill of Her Senior National Team Call-Up

South Africa’s Women’s senior national team continue their journey to return to the Olympics stage after missing out in the last occasion (2020). The 2024 Olympics will be hosted by France’s Paris from July 26 to August 11 and two legs await South Africa against Nigeria. Banyana Banyana are in the final round of the qualifiers, the first scheduled encounter is set for the 5th of April in Nigeria, four days later is the return fixture on the 9th of April at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa. Image Source: Lesego_11 In the thick of preparations for the crucial battle, I had the privilege of sitting down with one of the team's rising stars, a player who fell in love with the game from the age of 9-years old, little did she know that her journey to the national team would be nothing short of remarkable.  Lesego Nkoane is a dynamic midfielder who formed part of South Africa’s national youth ranks, having featured in the U17 and U20  National colours. Nkoane recently made her ...

The Rise of Cimone Sauls: A New Star Shines for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team

 At just 19 years old, Cimone Sauls is already making waves in the world of women's top flight football in South Africa. Born and raised in the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, Sauls developed her love for the beautiful game at a tender age of six while casually playing with boys for fun and entertainment. Photocred: @SundownsLadies - Twitter In 2016 Sauls joined the JVW (Janine van Wyk) Football Club as an effort to nurture her talents and develop her football skills. Eight years later, Sauls has become the latest sensation to grace the pitch for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team. In a recent interview, Sauls revealed her reasons for choosing the African Champions side, stating their continous history of success and their commitment to nurturing young talent. “It was an opportunity to be a part of the no.1 team in the Hollywoodbets Super League, a top team on the continent and just being a part of such a successful team is a privilege.”  “It's really been an exciting journey for ...