Diepsloot footballer lives her dream in Mexico
From local football fields in Diepsloot to an international tournament in Mexico, Titelo Modika is proving that talent, determination and opportunity can open doors to the world.
Young footballer Titelo Modika (17) recently travelled to Mexico after being selected as one of four players from the Diepsloot Mall Holiday Programme to represent South Africa at an international youth football tournament.
For Titelo, the journey began when she was just five years old.
“I used to play with my brother when I was young, I think five years old, and when I was seven, coach [Sizwe] Ngoako took me from Afrika Tikkun, and I played for his team.”
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Her football journey later saw her join Mamelodi Sundowns women’s team before returning to community football due to financial challenges.
“I played for Mamelodi for about four years, and I used to spend a lot of money on travelling. Sometimes we went to Roodepoort for training, and it was a lot. My mother couldn’t afford it anymore.”
Through the support of coaches and club officials, she continued pursuing her dream and eventually joined Refilwe FC.
The opportunity to travel abroad did not come overnight. Titelo and her teammates have spent years participating in football development programmes and tournaments aimed at keeping young people active and off the streets.
According to Ngoako, the four girls were all part of the Diepsloot Mall Holiday Programme from a young age.
“The programme is about taking children away from the streets, keeping them busy through football, sports and life skills. We are proud of how these girls have grown both as players and as individuals.”
Last year, the players represented South Africa in Zimbabwe before earning another international opportunity in Mexico.
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The trip took the players from Cape Town to Dubai, Spain and finally Mexico City.
“I was excited. I am actually the first person in my family to travel. Seeing my mother proud was the first thing I wished for.”
Beyond football, the experience exposed her to different cultures, languages and people from around the world.
“I got to learn new languages, meet new people and play against different teams. It was a great experience.”
Titelo hopes to continue growing her football career while inspiring other young girls to follow their dreams.
“A wise man once said to me, ‘ Do what you love and never go back home’. That’s all I can say to young girls.”
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