Banyana star Dlamini feeling good after grabbing major award

Banyana Banyana number goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was named South African (SA) Sport Star of the Year at Sun City, North West this past weekend.  

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Dlamini, who has been in exceptional form after a long layback due to contracting the coronavirus back in 2021 and also learning that she had a heart condition.  

She missed the Cosafa Caf Champions League qualifiers that year for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, but only to bounce back during the inaugural Caf Women Champions League.

At the tournament, Dlamini, who despite being back for a short period of time helped Banyana Ba Style to make history by becoming the first team to win the women’s version of the Champions League.  

The shot-stopper was in goals when Banyana also won their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.  

At both these tournaments, Dlamini was named the goalkeeper of the tournament.

“It’s been a rough patch, but I appreciate everything that has come my way. I’m thankful for the Sports Star of the Year award, it really means a lot to me and I want to thank each and everyone who has been there for me, supported me, and encouraged me to keep on going. I also have to give thanks to God for the gift of life and the talent to keep on playing and making everyone happy,” said the Sundowns and Banyana stopper.  

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“Getting individual awards is really a good feeling, but soccer is a team sport and I wasn’t going to be able to do everything that I’m doing on the field without my teammates. So, I’m grateful for thisachievement.” 

Dlamini has been once again in good form for the Sundowns Ladies in this season’s Hollywoodbets Super League and wants to see her team continuing dominating the domestic league.  

“We will keep on fighting to be the best and giving our all every time we are on the field of play. We have great support and we have to show that we appreciate everything.”  

In winning the accolade, Dlamini beat swimming star Matthew Sates and golf star Ashleigh Buhai.