Two talented young soccer players from Sinthumule High have been included in the SA U/15 girls’ side that will travel to Namibia to take part in the CAF South African School Football Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 September.

Maanda Ramadwa and Ambani Raphadana took part in the national school selection, which was held in Johannesburg at Wits University on 9 and 10 July. Ambani plays as a midfielder, while Maanda is a goalkeeper. Both girls also play for the Sinthumulekutama Ladies team that competes in the Sasol Women’s League.

Ambani, who is in Grade 8, said she started playing soccer with the boys in the streets. When asked about her dreams as a football player, Ambani expressed her aim to play for Banyana Banyana one day. She described her call-up to the national U/15 team as a step in the right direction and attributed her latest achievement to the support she receives from her family, her school, and the club she plays for.

Maanda, who comes from Ramantsha and is currently in Grade 9, said that she was very proud to be selected to represent her country. She promised not to disappoint those who have supported her throughout the years and thanked her current club, Sinthumulekutama, for providing her with an opportunity to gain experience.

The coach of Sinthumule High, Mr Caswell Mohale, said that the school was very excited to see the two girls being selected as star players. “We are glad to see that we have managed to produce two young girls who will be representing South Africa, our school, and Limpopo at the African level,” he said.