Tembisa-born Karabo shares her journey to Banyana Banyana
Dhlamini has even bigger dreams to play overseas and continue representing South Africa.
Seventeen-year-old Tembisa-born Karabo Dhlamini joined Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana for her first tournament at the 2019 Cyprus Women’s Cup.
Better known as ‘Cream’, Karabo officially received her first call-up to join the team in January during Banyana Banyana’s friendlies in Cape Town.
Dhlamini’s football journey began when she was seven years old, playing football with boys in the streets of Tembisa. Even though the boys were stronger and tougher, she continued to play in boys’ teams until she received the opportunity to join Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club at the age of 16.
“I remember how challenging it was playing with boys in the streets. Although it was difficult, I had discovered my love for football and I was prepared to continue playing no matter the circumstances,” said Dhlamini.
Before joining Banyana Banyana, Karabo played for the South African national u-17 women’s football team, Bantwana. During her time with Bantwana, she received the opportunity to play against top international teams at the Fifa u-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay last year.
While her footballing dreams are coming true, Dhlamini is hoping to finish her matric this year and also further her studies at university.
“I have to say it hasn’t been easy balancing both my studies and football. I’m doing matric this year, while there’s also a possibility that I might be part of the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France. But for me, this is what being limitless is all about, working hard to achieve your goals and putting no limits to your dreams.
“Being limitless has taught me to believe in myself more as I hope to inspire other up-and-coming footballers who look up to me. It doesn’t matter where you come from or your what your background is, just believe in your talent and work hard.
“I would like to say thank you to Sasol for supporting women’s football for over a decade. If it wasn’t for the Sasol League, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she added.
At the 2019 Cyprus Women’s Cup, Karabo received the opportunity to play against Finland and Korea DPR.
“The Cyprus Women’s Cup was such a great platform for me to showcase my talent and learn. I’m grateful that I received the opportunity to play at the tournament and experience how top international teams approach football.
“I also got to know my teammates better and learn from the likes of captain Janine van Wyk, who was participating at the tournament for the seventh time this year,” she said.
Although she has already played for two national teams at age 17, Dhlamini has even bigger dreams to play overseas and continue representing South Africa.
