women-from-south-africa

"All I can say - is that we have players who are always willing to take instructions - they make our job easy and we are very proud of their achievements this season."

"It is such a great opportunity to be given a chance to showcase my talent as a woman."

"At the end of the day, it comes down to the application of one’s self in whatever he or she is doing. Again, I am very thrilled at the prospect of making more history as a woman."

"It’s every player’s dream to play abroad, and I am no different. I would like to see myself getting out of my comfort zone and challenge myself against some of the best players in the world."

"I believe that everything starts at training, as coaches we make sure we apply good tactics, so that when we face-off with tough oppositions we can have players follow the game plan."

"Putting the ball in the back of the net is always a good feeling because goals help us to win games."

"I am very proud of how far I have come and I am hoping to inspire more women in football and across other disciplines they find themselves in."

"It was a dream come true. In a way, I have been preparing for that moment because I've always wanted to be a coach."

"Adapting to a new country with a different culture and way of doing things was tough at first."

"The only competition we can and have competed in is the COSAFA Cup, so I honestly don’t know what I can achieve with my national team. Maybe I will be one of those great players who retire without ever being at a major tournament."

"I am proof that gender cannot prevent one from becoming what they want to be."

"Before the match, I spoke about the unpredictability of the game of football because there are no pushovers in the sport anymore. It’s incredible to see how much momentum the women’s game is gaining across the continent. Nevertheless, the final allows us to showcase our attacking capabilities once again. We simply cannot wait."

"I know that I love football and can sustain myself by making a living out of it but circumstances might change – like getting an injury and obviously reaching a stage where I won't be able to play professional football and I need something to fall back on, in this case, it's my education. It also helps me apply the knowledge that I have while playing the game: aspects such as prevention of injury, sport psychology, etc."

"I’ve made it out of an under-resourced area, and they can too. The impossible is nothing."

"The partnership with adidas allows me to dream big about my goals and aspirations. I can fully concentrate on my performance without stressing about boots and bras that will help me to perform extremely well."

"I have learnt a lot from it, from playing against the best players in the world. It is an experience that no one can take away from me."

"Sometimes, I feel like quitting but I have one goal; to finish this year even if it means crawling to the finish line."

"The smiles they put on my face that day… it hit me that they needed us more. I realised that when I made it, I had to go back and help. I want to show people who think they have boundaries that there are no limits."

"Sponsorships go beyond just tangible things. I have access to a team of experts to help me optimise my training and nutrition to ensure that I perform at my best."

"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."

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

"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."

"Education is very important. I know I love football and I know I can make a living out of it but things are different in South Africa, as we do not have a professional league here."

"I need to have something to fall back on. Injuries occur sometimes and I should be ready if something like that happens. Not only will education help me in the future, but I can also apply the knowledge I gain while playing soccer; aspects such as injury prevention, rehabilitation, sport psychology among others."

"Through education, you can achieve your goals."

"Not everyone will represent their country at national level. Education is the best thing you can fall back on if things don’t work out the way you want them to. Let’s get that qualification!"

"The first thing you need as a footballer is a ball. Then you need shoes. If you have that, you’ve got the confidence to play. That changes everything."

"It all starts with development. The earlier kids have access to proper gear and training, the better their chances of making it. If brands invest now, they’re not only changing lives, they’re strengthening our national teams, our leagues, our future."

"Imagine what the national team could achieve if women’s football was fully professional. It would change everything."

"It’s important to remember where you come from and to use your success to uplift others. I want these young players to know that their dreams are valid. They must know that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything."

"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."

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

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

"I am very open to learning from my mistakes, and I’m really grateful for them."

"My inspiration is to take South African football forward."

"I’m really grateful and I know the people from home are very proud of me. We play very good football in Hammersdale and there aren’t a lot of girls that play football."

"I fell in love with football when my two brothers played football, I would stand on the touch line and watch them. I was only 7-years-old when my mom bought me my first soccer boots and that increased my confidence."

"I believe that this says a lot about women’s football in general in South Africa. It means women’s football is growing in a positive manner. Each and every staff member and players gave their best and that’s why we were able to get the gold medal at the end of the tournament. This is a positive sign for the future of our national team."

"Yes I did and I think there are more young girls now who are seeing that it is possible to become a professional soccer player because of others who have led the way."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"I always prepare for whatever comes my way."

"It is every girl’s dream to take part in the biggest women’s football tournament on the African continent, and I am no different."

"My dad was my support system, he would drive me to practice every day and he would have to drive back home an hour away, as I was in boarding school and they would not allow me to leave the premises alone."

"I know there will come a stage when I won’t be able to play professional football."

"Teamwork will win games for us because football is about the team not individuals...we're here as a team, representing our country."