Cappies learner to don green and gold for U/17 Banyana Banyana squad
Moloko Choshi's recent inclusion in the Banyana Banyana u/17 squad is a true indication of what ones persistence and perseverance can accomplish.
POLOKWANE – The Capricorn High School learner is an avid soccer player and has been trying out for the squad for four years. It was only after her fourth attempt that she was selected after the scouts watched her play in the national qualifier against Botswana.
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“When I realised that I was part of the 24 that had been selected, I didn’t sleep. It was very nice to have been selected because many people want this and they are very hungry for it. I was so happy because, it was the first step in realising my dreams. Playing for the u/17, means I must work hard to get into the u/20 team until I can play for the national team. I tried for years, but I didn’t give up, and now this is my year,” she shared.
Her soccer career started at a young age when she played street soccer before joining the team in her primary school.
Even after joining a team, she was somewhat unaware of a girls’ team as the school she was in only had a boys’ team.
This was rather frustrating for her as she was even prepared to attend trials with the boys’ team knowing very well that she wouldn’t be selected for any of the teams.
After starting school at Capricorn High School, she was able to join the girls’ soccer team and was also selected to form part of a team by a First Touch Football Club coach. This was also when she started attending provincial trials.
Although she is a playful individual, she hides this side of her away to ensure that she reaches her goals of becoming a professional soccer player, playing alongside the likes of Portia Modise. In order to keep fit and at the top of her game, she jogs 30 minutes every morning before she goes to school. She spends her Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the field giving herself enough time to practice. One of her main motivators are her family who not only support her, but encourage her to move forward.
“My mother is not working full time, she gets temporary work and she makes sure that she saves money for me to go to trials,” she added. Although this is quite an achievement, she mentions that the road she travelled to get here had not been easy, as she still gets teased for not being what others would call a conventional girl. “People judge me for the way I am. I get teased and people say weird things about me, but my coach always tells me not to listen to the things people say because they are trying to get me off my game. My coach also tells me to let them talk, they will eventually get tired,” she added.
Fully focused on her goals, she explained that she is one to look out for as she believes she will soon be playing for Manchester City or some other international football club.
