SEDIBENG.- Mbali Mazibuko has made history by becoming the first female player to compete alongside and against boys at the 2nd annual Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation Tournament.

The event, which got underway over the weekend at the James and Pepsi grounds in Sharpeville, has drawn development teams from across Gauteng.

Mazibuko, who has joined Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) Ladies Team from Nale Academy on a one-year loan, surprised many spectators when she took to the pitch.

Soccer fans are unaccustomed to seeing mixed-gender matches, and her introduction as a substitute immediately shifted the crowd’s attention, with many questioning how a girl could compete against boys. Without the crowd’s knowledge, Mazibuko grew up playing football with and against boys.

Even the referee looked surprised when she entered the game, but her very first touch silenced the sceptics and won the admiration of the crowd. She made her presence felt immediately on the pitch.

Before kick-off, the tournament organisers, who include the parents of Relebohile Mofokeng, paused to take a photograph with Mazibuko. It was a proud moment for the young player, who told Sedibeng Ster Sport that it was her first time meeting them in person.

Mofokeng’s parents, particularly his mother, Naomi, are widely admired because of their son’s footballing talent. Although the tournament features dedicated ladies’ teams, Mazibuko actively chose to test herself in the boys’ category.

She explained to Sedibeng Ster Sport that competing against tougher opponents will aid her development, noting that growing up training and playing against boys has significantly improved her physical strength.

The Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation Tournament includes U13, U15, senior, and ladies’ age groups, with the final scheduled for July 17.