DK’s first debut
Dakalo is set to represent the team again today, January 18 for their second leg against Gabon.

The South African Women’s U17 National Team made history after a victorious 12–1 win against Gabon at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup first leg qualifier in Franceville, Gabon on January 11.
Fourteen-year-old Panorama Ladies goalkeeper Dakalo “DK” Mafumo made her debut as one of the younger players selected to represent the senior team. Destined to shine on the field, she showcased her best skill, leading her team to victory.
Gabon fielded only 10 players at the start of the match, with eight players deemed ineligible to participate in the World Cup qualifier due to being born outside the stipulated age range.
Dakalo fearlessly blocked each attempted goal by Gabon, which allowed the team to push for more goals. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Gabon managed to hold on until the end of the first half, but the writing was on the wall as the SA women’s team took a commanding lead into the break.
However, things took a turn for the worse for the hosts in the second half as they suffered further injuries, reducing their team to just six players. SA Women U17’s head coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo expressed her disappointment at the turn of events, despite her team’s dominant performance.
“We came to Gabon prepared for 90 minutes of play,” Khumalo said. “Although we understand and respect the laws of the game, the decision taken today hinders our plans as a team. We have areas we want to work on, and we really needed this game to progress to the next round of World Cup qualifiers.”