Ayesha Moosa: Meet the 16-year-old tearing up the Gauteng Sasol Women’s League
While Banyana Banyana flies the South African flag high on the international stage, a diamond in the rough is steadily making a name for herself in the local scene. Skilful, fast and with a seemingly endless supply of tricks
Women’s football is certainly on the rise in South Africa. While Banyana Banyana flies the South African flag high on the international stage, a diamond in the rough is steadily making a name for herself in the local scene. Skilful, fast and with a seemingly endless supply of tricks, Ayesha Moosa is a nightmare for any defense. The 16-year-old midfielder is with Soweto Fabulous Ladies in the Gauteng Sasol Women’s League. Despite having only started playing league football in 2019, Moosa has become a key player for the Sowetan side and made quite an impression amongst her coaches, peers and even some Banyana Banyana players.
The 16-year-old has received praise Banyana Banyana legend, Portia Modise, and had a unique chance to train with Banyana star, Refiloe Jane as the Banyana Vice-Captain prepared for the World Cup in France. “She (Jane) was really helpful and friendly. She gave me some tips on what to do and not do. It was an incredible experience because she’s someone I really look up to. I’ll never forget it, or take it for granted,” Moosa said of her brief time with Jane. Of course, Moosa had her own international trip to prepare for, She was one of three candidates selected to be part of a once in a lifetime Gauteng Future Champions trip to Spain. The 9-day training trip was an initiative by La Liga in Partnership with the Gauteng Province which aims to nurture and reward young talent.
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It saw three young players and coach, Setshedi More jet off to Spain to train with La Liga teams including, Sevilla FC and Real Betis.
Speaking to Soweto Urban on her trip, Moosa highlighted the difference between South Africa’s youth development and Spain. “There is a lot more focus on early development in Spain. We met kids as young 6 or 7 already integrated into academies and learn the basics. In South Africa, I don’t think we have focused enough on developing young players. It is also a lot more detailed. In terms of what you eat and behave, Spanish players are a lot better disciplined in that regard. But the entire was trip was incredible and educational,” said the 16-year-old.
While the week-long trip may have been bliss, earning it was far from a walk in the park. Moosa, Mkhwanazi, and Maikhoso had to surpass hundreds of talented hopefuls in a series of eliminations drills, where only the three best players left standing would be selected. Fast forward to 2020, Moosa is back in South Africa with a wealth of knowledge. In her second season of league football, she will be looking to help her side win promotion into the SAFA Women’s League come late March.
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