"Honestly I do, I feel like the hard work is paying off but I realise that I still have a lot to learn, a lot to improve on and consistently playing is helping me improve a lot, so I'm grateful for that."

"So, I'm happy because it makes me feel at peace knowing that I can make a mistake and they will correct me. Also, knowing it's comfortable that they are happy for me to be here and it's good."

"I love every position as long as I’m playing football. Whatever role I have to play in the position that I’m selected for, I always make sure I do my best."

"As time went by, I had to start at church before going to Sunday games. Even my coaches understood that on Sunday I’d arrive late because I’d start at church. It was either that or I don’t come at all. But now she’s so happy for me."

"From day one, it became clear that no sports career lasts forever. We had to be as passionate about our studies as were about football."

"Being a versatile player is one of the things that work to my advantage."

"It's gonna mean the world, I really love presenting the country."

"I think every player needs to be patient because their time is coming as well."

"She had that thing that football is for boys only."

"It’s actually not easy to juggle school and football."

"As I pointed out, when I was young the only thing I saw myself being was and still is, a professional footballer."

"It was also one of his dreams to see me playing abroad, he would be very proud and happy for me now. My dad was very supportive with my career and came to watch each and every game I played, coaching me here and there. I know I am where I am today because of him."

"Sometimes you've to go to camp, while you have assignments. So it’s daunting but doable."

"I know that it’s important to be educated, because football is a very short career."

"Being nominated motivates me to push even harder, not just for myself but for my teammates and everyone who supports me. This nomination also inspires other kids to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their dreams."

"I’m still the same humble Nthabiseng I was before. But definitely my life has changed a lot."

"Football is a team sport, and I would not have achieved this without the incredible support of my coaches, teammates and family."

"A lot of these girls are discouraged. They have to choose between going to school and work or playing football."

"That’s actually what I want to be, the best striker in the world."

"My advice to them is to work hard. Keep on pushing. Because success does not come without hard work."

"Because I don't score for me, I score for the team, I score for my fans, I score my family, and my team to win at the end of the day."

"Football will speak for itself."

"We want to show young girls that anything is possible with hard work, determination and a never-give-up attitude."

"The positive energy and vibe that I bring into the team, by merely playing the drum, is very important to me."

"I remember how challenging it was playing with boys in the streets. Although it was difficult, I had discovered my love for football and I was prepared to continue playing no matter the circumstances."

"What has stood up for me the most is fighting for one another on the field even when I make a mistake my teammate is there to motivate me and that has kept me going and made me want to give my all."

"I started playing football when I was seven, mostly playing with boys at home."

"But for me, this is what being limitless is all about, working hard to achieve your goals and putting no limits to your dreams."

"My flow of the game depends on the tempo."

"Being limitless has taught me to believe in myself more as I hope to inspire other up-and-coming footballers who look up to me. It doesn’t matter where you come from or your what your background is, just believe in your talent and work hard."

"My name really reminds me that being a leader is not about status, but really about service. Living up to that name now means remaining rooted in my purpose even in moments of discomfort. It motivates me to be the voice that creates space for others to grow and feel empowered in the spaces they step into"

"Our journey has been so deeply intertwined. Watching my sister on the Miss SA 2023 stage really showed me how attainable our big dreams are. She taught me how to remain graceful under pressure and to really stay true to myself regardless of where I am"

"I saw how much she transformed during her journey through Miss SA and what an incredible platform it is for self-development"

"I am exactly where I’m meant to be, walking in purpose, grace, and gratitude"

"I am my ancestors’ wildest dream, standing tall because of the prayers, sacrifices, and strength that came before me. And for that, I am endlessly thankful"

"Being sashed First Runner-Up at Miss South Africa is a moment I’ll cherish forever, not just for what it represents, but for what it means in God’s divine plan. Every message, every word of love and encouragement has touched my heart deeply"

"A girl from Alexandra to the Miss South Africa stage. This journey has truly been nothing short of grace, growth, and gratitude"

"To me inclusive education means that a child’s financial, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic background does not hinder them from receiving fair access to resources. True inclusion is acknowledging potential and providing resources for each child to succeed"

"This crown is not just mine, it belongs to every dreamer from humble beginnings, to every girl who thought she couldn’t, but did anyway. South Africa, thank you for trusting me with your hearts. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s only the beginning"

"just a drop in the large ocean of my amazing supporters who fuel me every single day"

"I view the prize package as a seed for my future, not an immediate reward — although I will likely buy myself something fun as well. During my reign I want to create a foundation for my literacy work that will carry on past my reign as Miss South Africa."

"South Africa, I have poured my heart into this journey. Every step, every late night, every moment of doubt and triumph, all leading to this final moment on that stage"

"Hope is contagious. I want to show our youth that your background does not limit your future. When you start doing the work with what you have, you become able to achieve goals you previously thought were impossible"

"It took years of hard work, sweat and tears to rise from a place of zero confidence, from once hating my complexion, my height and my figure to standing tall and proud in my truth"

"I initially wrote the book for one specific child, but after seeing how it impacted her understanding of colours and counting, I wanted to make it more accessible to children. I started by self-publishing and distributing the one in isiXhosa, which I now plan to translate into all 11 official languages"

"I have come to realise through my speech therapy sessions that language builds trust. It really has been an easy way to say, ‘I see you.’ Being multilingual helps me gain insights into the lives and experiences of different communities. It may not give me an in-depth image, but it allows me to meaningfully connect"

"When I was on-stage during the crowning moment I was thinking to myself that whoever gets this crown is so deserving of it. when you are in that moment you can just be at peace, and just let go and let God take over. Even when Qhawe and I were standing there, we even forgot that we had to turn on que because we were just so in our moment. I was thinking that the fact that I have even gotten this far is enough. Whatever happens now is all up to God"