Qhayiya Sapula’s football journey began long before stadium lights and organised leagues.
It started in the streets, playing with her cousins, where joy, competition, and imagination shaped her love for the game. After man trials and clubs, the Linden based player now dons the Jomo Cosmos jersey with pride. “I’ve been playing soccer since I was a kid. What drew me in was the teamwork and the excitement of scoring goals.” Those early moments, encouraged by memories her grandmother shared of her chasing a ball around the backyard, planted the seed of a lifelong passion.

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As her love for football grew, so did her ambition. Sapula progressed through clubs, such as NWU Tawana, Crusaders, and Old Parks, each step sharpening her understanding of the game. Today, she proudly represents Jomo Cosmos, carrying with her years of growth and resilience. “I love the physicality and mental toughness required to play soccer at a high level.” She described a game that challenges both body and mind.

The journey has not been without obstacles. Injuries, defeats, and difficult moments tested her resolve, but they never broke it. “It’s been a wild ride, there have been ups and downs, but I’ve learned a lot.” For her, every challenge became a lesson and every setback a reason to push harder.

Sapula has grown to be a formidable centre back, thriving on responsibility and leadership. She explained that she enjoys reading the game, making crucial tackles, and leading the defence. Being the last line of defence gives her purpose, and she embraces the physical and mental battles that define the position. “I also enjoy the physical and mental battle that comes with playing a position that requires toughness, agility, and strategic thinking. I like being able to anticipate my opponents’ moves, and make smart decisions quickly. It’s a challenging position, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

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One of her proudest memories came when she scored her first goal for Jomo Cosmos, securing a 3–0 victory. “It was like time stopped. Moments like those make all the hard work worth it. It was an amazing feeling, and the team’s energy was electric. I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring that goal. It was a special moment, not just because I scored, but because we worked together, played some great soccer, and came out on top.”

Looking ahead, Sapula’s ambitions remain. In the 2026 season she is aiming at improving her defending skills, get more assists, and helping her team win some trophies. “I want to be a key player. To lead by example, and to make a real impact on the team. I also want to work on my weaknesses, and become a more well-rounded player. I think with hard work and dedication, I can achieve great things.”

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