At just nine years old, Alberton football sensation Esihle ‘The Dancing Lady’ Sibeko has reached another remarkable milestone in her rapidly rising career after joining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies U13 girls.

The young star from Brackendowns is now part of a side currently sitting top of the Gauteng Women Development League (GWDL), the female stream of the prestigious Gauteng Development League, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading youth football structures and ranked among the top youth leagues in the world.

Esihle’s latest achievement further cements her status as one of South Africa’s brightest young football prospects.

According to records, she is the youngest girl registered for Sundowns Ladies in the GWDL and also the youngest player across the league as a whole.

Her rise comes after years of competing in male-dominated football structures.

At the age of five, Esihle became the youngest female player to be formally registered with the Rand Central Local Football Association (RCLFA), where she played league matches alongside boys.

Before making the move to Sundowns in January 2026, Esihle had already spent four years competing in formal boys’ leagues and remained the only female player registered in the RCLFA.

Known for her dazzling footwork and fearless style of play, Esihle earned the nickname ‘The Dancing Lady’ during her early years at Wits Juniors Football Club, where she began her football journey at just five years old.

Her talent has continued to attract attention from top academies across the country, and her ambitions remain firmly set on one day representing Banyana Banyana on the global stage.

“It makes me feel good that as a little girl I can play football with other boys. It gives me hope that one day I can represent South Africa in the Women’s World Cup,” Esihle previously said.

Football excellence runs deep within the Sibeko family.

Her older brother, Nkosana Sibeko, has also made headlines after competing internationally with TS Galaxy in Türkiye against elite academies including PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Their cousin, Thandolwethu Khanyi, has likewise built an impressive football career, featuring for Sekhukhune United’s reserve side before returning to Wits University FC in the ABC Motsepe League.

Their father, Bongani Sibeko, believes strong family support and balancing education with sport have played a vital role in the children’s success.

“Supporting your children in everything they do is the best legacy you can leave them,” he said.

For the Sibeko family, Esihle’s historic move to Sundowns is not only a proud moment for Brackendowns and Alberton, but also another sign that the future of women’s football in South Africa continues to shine brightly.