It was a dream come true for Anele Mzobe (18) from Villa Lisa, when she debuted for the Banyana Banyana World Cup send-off game against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium on July 2.
Anele was part of the makeshift national team the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) selected at the last minute after the World Cup squad boycotted the match due to administrative issues.
According to Anele, she was at home when she received a call from her coach to bring only her soccer boots because there was a game she would play.
“I was so happy when my coach mentioned I would play for the national team; it was unbelievable. When I entered the stadium, I was nervous,” she said, adding that it has always been her dream to make the wishes of her mother and grandmother come true.
She said her mother and grandmother wished her to be on television and play for a national team.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Anele said she was not happy the team lost the game as it was her first time playing for the national team. She hoped they would win, but would forever be grateful for the opportunity to play.
Anele said they tried their best to win this friendly match against Botswana but faced challenging players.
“I started playing soccer at eight with boys in my township and grew up being the only girl. I still am the only girl that plays soccer here,” said Anele.
She added her school has no girls’ soccer club. She was the only girl interested in playing, so she tried for the boys’ team, but they did not permit her as she was a girl.
“I was so hurt when I could not play soccer with the people I used to play with in the township,” said Anele.
Her mom took her to play trials at the Boksburg stadium in 2020 and she later trialed for four weeks for JVW FC. She became part of the team until she moved to Springs Home Sweepers.
Her mother, Thandeka Mzobe, pointed out Anele was a different child growing up. She loved to play with boys and loved playing soccer.
“When people told me she had a talent in soccer, I knew I had to pay close attention to that and send her to trial for a ladies’ club. I have always been there watching her games and cheering for her,” said Thandeka.
She said she did not believe it when Anele told her about playing for the national team. She thought somehow there was a misunderstanding, so accompanied her daughter to the stadium.
“Tears flooded as I saw my child wearing the national team jersey, and I did a little prayer thanking God,” said Thandeka.
Also read: East Rand Rugby Club raises funds
