Limpopo teen goalkeeper eyes future with Banyana Banyana

LIMPOPO – The 15-year-old Maanda Ramadwa is soaring toward her dream of playing for Banyana Banyana, and judging by her recent achievements, that goal may soon be within reach.

Ramadwa returned from Ghana last Sunday after representing South Africa as the vice-captain of the national u/15 team at the Africa Schools Football Championships. The team won a bronze medal, winning three matches and losing two. They delivered dominant performances with an 8-0 win over the DRC, a 5-0 victory against Gambia, and a narrow 2-1 win over Morocco. Their only losses came in a tight 1-0 match against Uganda and a close 3-2 game against the host nation.

Ramadwa initially made her mark in athletics, representing Sinthumule High School in track events. She joined the school’s soccer team when girls’ football was introduced in 2023, originally as a way to stay fit between athletics seasons. Her talent as a goalkeeper quickly emerged, leading her to pursue the sport more seriously.

She has since developed her skills with Sinthumulekutama Ladies, a team that competes in the Safa Sasol Women’s League, and she credits her growth to coach Caswell Mohale. “Discipline is central to success and it is important to balance sport with education,” she said.

She also said that she is prepared for the challenges ahead, and spoke passionately about the role of women in sport and the need to challenge outdated perceptions. “There is no sport that was designed for certain genders. As women, we are restricted and undermined in this game, which gives us more reason to prove people wrong.”