‘Gaddafi’ eyes Banyana at Birds

A former star of the much-fancied Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies soccer team has her sights set on breaking into the Banyana squad but sees Alexandra’s Bluebirds as a catalyst to fulfil her dream.

Nonhlanhla Mthandi, popularly known in Sundowns circles as ‘Gaddafi’ after the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has left the comfort of the Brazilians and opted to join the less fancy team in the impoverished township of Alexandra.

She played her first game for the Alex outfit in a Sasol Women’s League game against Aqua Ladies of Krugersdorp – and scored a goal on debut to help her new team collect maximum points in the away match. “I am delighted to have scored on debut and would like to thank my teammates for that, and also look forward to banging in more goals in games to come,” said the shy and soft-spoken attacking midfielder.

Her coach, Malvin Khumalo was equally delighted with her performance coupled with the fact that she scored on debut, and described her showing as ‘impressive’. “You ain’t seen anything yet, more is to come if she can keep up the form,” Khumalo added.

She had promised this reporter that she would score on debut in her first interview on the eve of this game since joining the Birds. “I would like to impress the coach and score on debut and keep the goals flowing in other games to come,” she said.

“I am disappointed, though, that I won’t get the chance to play Sundowns this season as they have played their two matches already, but I can’t wait for next season to show them a thing or two.”

The 20-year-old started her career in her kasi, playing for Lusaka Ladies before she was snapped up by the big-spending Sundowns. Gaddafi said she left the Brazilian ladies because she had a dream of breaking into the Banyana squad and felt the only way to do that was to join a smaller team where she could play regularly and develop her game.

“I was not getting enough game time at Sundowns and, besides, I also love the style of play of the Birds coupled with the fact that most of the players are youngsters, just like me, and we understand each other, which was the opposite at Downs.”

Read: Banyana star lauds women’s football development

Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.