LIMPOPO – Three talented young footballers from Sinthumule High School have been selected to represent South Africa in the CAF African Schools Football Championship women’s u/17 team.

The players earned national recognition after representing Limpopo in the u/17 girls’ football tournament at the National Winter School Sport Championships, held in the Western Cape from July 12-14, where Limpopo finished third.

Award-winning trio named

The selected players are goalkeeper Maanda Ramadwa (16), midfielder Zwavhudi Musetha (16), who was named the tournament’s best midfielder, and defender Lufuno Muregu (16), who received the best defender award. Both Musetha and Muregu were presented with trophies for their outstanding performances.

The trio also plays for Sinthumule/Kutama Ladies FC, which competes in the Safa Limpopo Women’s League.

They will attend a national training camp in Gauteng from August 7 before departing for the CAF African Schools Football Championship, which will be held later in August.

Ramadwa no stranger to the national jersey

For Ramadwa, this is not her first experience representing South Africa. Last year, she was selected for the national schools team that competed in Namibia as the team’s goalkeeper.Ramadwa said football has become much more than a sport for her.

“Football has taught me to be strong and unapologetic about my abilities as a young girl. It has helped me stay focused on my goals in life,” she said.

Her ultimate dream is to play for Banyana Banyana before pursuing a professional career overseas.

“When I was young, I always played soccer with boys because that was the sport they loved. That’s how I developed my passion for football,” she said.

Calling for equality in sport

Ramadwa also expressed her gratitude to School Sport South Africa and Safa for creating more opportunities for young female footballers.

“Although there is still a gap between men’s and women’s football, especially in terms of financial support, I hope things will continue to improve. Government often speaks about 50/50 equality, and I hope that will also become a reality in sport,” she said.

She added that she is proud that both her school and Sinthumule/Kutama Ladies continue to produce players capable of representing South Africa.

“I hope our school and team will continue producing many more players who will wear the South African jersey with pride,” she said.

Coach praises club’s development programme

The players’ coach, Caswell Mohale, said the selections were proof that dedication and hard work were paying off.

“We are proud of what these girls have achieved. As a school and as a club, we believe we will continue producing players who can represent South Africa and even play professionally overseas,” said Mohale.

He added that this year alone, several players from Sinthumule/Kutama Ladies have progressed to clubs competing in the Safa Hollywood League, demonstrating the growing strength of the club’s development programme.