Mbombela football duo take on CAF Championship in Ghana
The youngsters are set to make a splash on the continental level, after being selected for the South African U17 women's national team.
Two talented 15-year-old footballers from Mbombela have been awarded spots in the South African national team, competing in the CAF African Schools Football Championship in Ghana. Nkosimphile Mthombeni and Whitney Havene, of the Easthigh Academy team, have progressed through the circuit, district and provincial levels to reach the national stage. Easthigh Academy is a St Marks School Nelspruit’s football team.
As part of a team that was promoted to the Sasol league last season, Nkosimphile and Whitney have developed a strong partnership that will serve them well on the continental stage. With South Africa’s strong record in the championship, having won the title in 2024, Nkosimphile and Whitney are part of a legacy that promises to inspire and empower young footballers everywhere.
Under the guidance of the SA U17 women’s national team coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, they are looking to make a lasting impression in the national team. During their first games last Wednesday, April 23, they clashed with Uganda and Gambia. Harnessing their skills and teamwork, they showcased their talent and determination.
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The South African Football Association; the Department of Recreation, Sports, Arts and Culture and the Department of Basic Education representatives sent off the national team on April 19. Nkosimphile’s mother, Onnica Mthombeni, expressed her pride in seeing her child participate in the tournament for the second time.
“I am delighted to see Nkosimphile achieve her dreams, and I am grateful for the opportunities that football has brought her way. The fact that now I follow sport because of her makes me the happiest mother at the moment,” said Mthombeni. Whitney’s mother, Angel Maseko, said she did not know that her children are playing soccer, since she works away from home.
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“When I used to come back home for weekends, community members used to tell me that my children play soccer and they know how it is played. We live close to the sports grounds, so they had easy access to football. I wish to see them playing for Banyana Banyana, even though the other one was not chosen, but I believe they will make it,” said Maseko.
