Two months after FC Raycon Ladies’ match against the Blue Birds Ladies Football Academy in the Sasol Women’s League, Raycon’s Koketso Malwa, a former Blue Birds player, reflected on her performance and their stunning 2-0 victory with pride.

She recalled how the derby was more than just a game but a chance to demonstrate her growth since she left the Blue Birds.

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“It was tough playing that game against my former team. Everyone was watching, curious to see how I would perform,” she said.

Malwa said her challenges were compounded by the fact that her former teammates knew how she defended and were trying to leverage her weaknesses.

“They would say stuff like, ‘She’s small-hearted, we’ll take her out of the game,’” she recalled. But she stayed composed, reminding herself to relax, stay focused, and make the job easier. That mindset helped her to remain composed and play her best.

“I told myself I would give them something to worry about. When the game started, I poured my heart into it, playing the football I know so well.”

Her training with the Loyo Stars boys’ senior team prepared her for the challenge. “The coaches were tough,” she said, recalling one of the coaches’ words: “You need to be strong if you’re training with us.”
This built the physical and mental toughness she needed when, in the second half, the Blue Birds pushed hard and created two clear chances. Malwa stood firm, shutting down their attack.

Looking at that game, she reflected on the lesson she learned, which goes far beyond the pitch. “I wasn’t always a humble player, but being around the boys at the gym and playing the game has taught me the importance of humility and being true to myself,” she shared.

Her humility and unyielding spirit shone through as she anchored Raycon’s defence, helping secure the win against the Blue Birds.

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