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Ndlangisa is Grateful for the Banyana Banyana Opportunity 

Ndlangisa is Grateful for the Banyana Banyana Opportunity 

Ongeziwe Ndlangisa could not believe it when he was informed about her call-up to the recent Banyana Banyana camp in Durban between 02 and 08 April 2019.

The camp was in preparation for the friendly international between Banyana Banyana and the Reggae Girlz (Jamaica Women’s National team), which took place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban on Sunday, 07 April 2019. This was the last game for Banyana Banyana before they jet-off to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France between 07 June and 07 July 2019.

The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Sports Management Studies third – year student said this was her first ever call-up to the Women’s Senior National Team (Banyana Banyana). “I’m grateful for this opportunity. It is an indication that I’m improving as a player and I’m looking forward to more of such opportunities,” she said.

The jovial Ndlangisa said the camp was a great opportunity for her to interact and learn from senior players that have been part of the Banyana Banyana team set-up for a while. “The level of discipline was high and the training intensity was also very high during the camp,” she said.

Speaking about her introduction to football, Ndlangisa said her uncle was at the centre of her introduction to the beautiful game at an early stage. “I started taking an interest in football when I was selected to represent the Harry Gwala District Municipality at the SALGA Games in 2013. Subsequently I went on to play for Red Roses in the SASOL League in the Eastern Cape before I enrolled at DUT in 2017,” she said.

Ndlangisa also represented the University Sport South Africa’s (USSA) national ladies team in Taipei, China back in 2017.

The hardworking midfielder said although this was her first call – up to Banyana Banyana, she is hopeful that she can be selected to be part of the team that will represent South Africa in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. “Representing my country in the World Cup would be a dream come true for me,” she said.

The 25 – year – old Ndlangisa also shared her views on the lack of support that is given to women football in comparison to men football. “I think our football as women is receiving less support, and this can change if we can get similar media coverage as men football. This can improve popularity of women’s football thus increase support,” she argued.

She added that she is grateful for the support that she has been receiving from her uncle, parents and DUT’s Sports Administration team.

Her ultimate dream is to play football internationally, particularly in England.

Pictured: Ongeziwe Ndlangisa during the recent Banyana Banyana camp.

Nduduzo Ndlovu

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