One of Vhembe's young female football stars continues to impress on the national stage. Fourteen-year-old Ambani "Mapilu" Raphadana from Tshiozwi is currently playing for the South African U/17 women's soccer team.
Ambani was selected to play for the SA U/17 side that competed in the COSAFA U/17 Women's Championship in Johannesburg from 4 to 13 December. In September, she also represented South Africa in the U/15 CAF tournament in Namibia as part of the South African School Football Championship team. She was joined by her teammate, Maanda Ramadwa, who was selected as goalkeeper.
Raphadana is currently a Grade 8 learner at Sinthumule High and also plays as a midfielder for the Sasol Limpopo Women's league team, Sinthumulekutama Ladies FC.
Ambani said that it would take time for women's football to grow as a major sport in the country. One of the biggest challenges, she explained, is the lack of tournaments and the need to compete against other countries. She noted that, in the past, women's football had not been given the same opportunities as other sports, such as men's soccer and rugby.
For Ambani, sport is much more than just winning medals. It has helped her stay focused on her life goals. "It has taught me to be strong and unapologetic about my capabilities as a young girl," she said. Her dream is to play for Banyana Banyana and eventually join an overseas team.
She encouraged young people to stay focused if they want to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their communities. "The youth must stay away from drugs and criminal activities and prepare themselves for careers that will benefit them in life," she said.
Ambani believes discipline is key, and education is of primary importance for their future. "Those who have talent must balance their careers with education. You do not play football until you die."