SEBOKENG.- It has been a while since the Vaal has had a Banyana Banyana representative.

Rose ‘Pona’ Jijane was the last player from this region to play for the women’s national team. Lerato Mphahele (19) is set to follow in the footsteps of Jijane. This Sebokeng Ajax Football FC defender is destined for a great future. In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster’s S’khuluma no, Mphahele said her dream is to play for Banyana Banyana.

S’khuluma no had a heart-to-heart interview with Lerato.

Q: How do you feel after being named Sebokeng Ladies Team Player of the Season?

A: It is such a great honour for me and I want to thank everyone, especially my teammates because I don’t play alone. Football is a team sport and I’m grateful for the support I receive from my coaches.

Q: How does it make you feel that there are no players from the Vaal in the current Banyana Banyana team?

A: I won’t lie, it is not good for women’s football in Sedibeng. The thing is that there are a lot of talented women soccer players in this region.

Q: As a player where do you want to see yourself?

A: Like any player, I want to play at the top level of women’s football and further my career abroad. I’m working on becoming a better player.

Q: Where do you want to see the Sebokeng Ajax women’s team?

A: We want to play in the women’s national soccer league against the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns. It is everyone’s wish at the club to play at the highest level.

Q: With matric results coming out on January 14, what do you want to study?

A: Mmmm, it will depend on my results because I have a few options.