"The issue that is most aligned with me is our flawed healthcare system. It is no secret that a lot of attention has been directed towards the Department of Health since the beginning of 2020 due to COVID-19; however, all that attention was only focused on the new pandemic on-hand. As a result, other sectors started to lag, leaving our country in shambles! I want to tackle finding interventions that will improve and strengthen health system resilience and financing through local, national, and global engagement. After all, a healthy society is a thriving one"

"As someone who is considered to be a part of the youth, I believe that I can speak for the majority of my generation when I say that the biggest lesson that can be learnt from 1976 is that: change is inevitable if you are willing to actively play your part towards seeking it. The students who marched bravely in 1976 knew what they wanted, and they took the necessary measures needed, drastic as they were, to see it through. We need to learn to have that resilience today as well! There are so many social injustices that need to be faced head-on. If we can learn to gather our strength and put on brave faces, we, too, can lead our own revolutions"

"From an early age, I had a seed planted inside of me, which I have been watering over the years, and seeing my dreams realised has been nothing short of amazing! Especially when this experience has far surpassed my expectations"

"I love a good challenge, and pageantry is exactly that; I get to be involved in community projects, take the lead on various campaigns, and find out more about myself and my own capabilities. Essentially, I get to step into my power. From afar, pageantry seemed like glitz and glam, which initially is what drew me to the industry; however, the closer I got, the more appreciation I had for this world, and I have not been able to turn back since"

"After all, what you wear should be a reflection of who you are and how to keep yourself updated with the world’s and South Africa’s current affairs. I have been putting all of this into practice by actively searching for self-awareness; reading up on current affairs; thinking of possible questions, which I then answer myself; using social media as a tool to get my message across; using any free time I have to work with my community to find gaps that can be filled"

"I have always pictured myself as a role model for young women. Growing up I read about female trailblazers and always thought of myself as one too. I entered the competition because I am a driven woman who wants to make changes for the better of our country"

"I think it’s how we show love. My love language is showering people with gifts. I also reciprocate feelings when someone shows me love"

"I am lucky enough to be on a platform that allows me to provide community education on the importance of a healthy life through a healthy diet. I have also recently started a campaign called #nyakazani which aims to get community members involved in responding to crises"

"beauty queens are the subject of harsh criticism and booing"

"I want to branch into the research sector so I can play a role in developing nutrition related guidelines to combat South Africa’s double burden of malnutrition and obesity"

"It’s like a boot camp for women. It allows me to grow. About the bullying, you can choose to lock out the negativity and focus on the good things"

"We spoke together after the loss of the last match. We agreed that we should keep fighting and that’s what we did"

"One thing the general public does not know about me is that I work very hard behind the scenes; I even have a personal trainer. I train twice a day, with my club and then with the personal trainer. So, I put in a lot of practice, especially for my passing. What you see on the field is a result of that hard work and practice"

"I thank god for the award of Woman of The Match, it crowns our efforts and so does the win"

"I’m not a person who likes to become comfortable in one position – I want to constantly improve as a player. I never want to hear people say ‘Bambanani can’t play football anymore’. So, I need to always work hard, especially because age is also not on my side"

"In our first match, we were nervous and were not yet aware of the situation. But we managed to pass through this one"

"But I’m happy for the retired players. They raised the level of women’s football in general, not just at Banyana Banyana"

"I’m grateful for the support I was getting from my wife, family and team. That really helped me bounce back from that setback, even though it was not an easy journey"

"In our first match, we were nervous and were not yet aware of the situation. But we managed to pass through this one. We came to qualify to the final game; this is our level and we are ready for AS Mande"

"It’s a huge responsibility because we have so many young ones in this team so we (the older players) have to motivate them and show them the ropes"

"[For the new players] it’s a matter of them adjusting to the game plan of the team so I believe that even with coach calling them, she saw something in them of which it will help boost the team"

"I will continue playing until I feel that I can’t do it anymore. Everything we do in life is about timing and I feel as though I can still continue playing for the national team. After all, everyone is entitled to their own decisions,"

"But, it’s also not that difficult because we have been in this team for so many years, so we know what is expected from us, so we have to make sure that we keep the kids motivated to do better"

"I'm excited for audiences to see the different perspectives of race from the opposite race. I am also excited for black people to see their culture so honoured and celebrated."

"What I really liked about the relationship is how innocent it is in this world where everything seems to be set up against them. It is always beautiful to see the message relayed that whatever world you are in and however hard your circumstances may be, when you feel like the world is against you there is always that bit of hope - and their relationship represents that. They are very brave to want to be together as their relationship is illegal. It is inspiring to see how courageous they are and how their love is able to overcome such dangerous obstacles and difficult struggles."

"A love story is a story that I think almost anyone can relate to, a love story is universal and I think that allows audiences to really invest in the world we have created and pick up on the racial injustices and social injustices the characters face based on the colour of people’s skin. I think a love story gives people a way into that."

"To remain true to yourself and the things that you believe in and to do projects that really resonate with you. If something is for you it will be for you, and if it’s not then it’s not, trust your gut and do the things you passionately feel will make a difference."

"The future, I am just happy to take one step at a time. I’ve learnt to be patient with myself and trust my journey. So wherever God is going to place me next is where I will be next."

"If everyone acknowledges the privilege certain people have, it’s up to those people as well to help push the agenda forward."

"In the past, African culture hasn’t been as respected or honoured in the way this drama displays. I feel so proud to be a part of something where African culture is put on a pedestal."

"Women need to rely on each other more and be open to being relied on, as we are the best advocates for our own success."

"Hazel is a fantastic goalkeeper. She was at this tournament for Zambia. She’s already over a year out of play. So she did not train in any club"

"But it’s never possible to call up a player who was more than a year out of the game and even in training practice"

"The injury almost made me lose hope of ever going to play and walk nicely on both legs but the unmatched love and care in New Zealand gave me some hope"

"Prior to reading Malorie’s books I had never heard of a world that existed where Africans were the ruling class. It was unique and it made me feel warm inside, to imagine a world where this could be a possibility."

"After years away from the pitch due to injury – years that were devastating, breaking, and emotional – I’m finally back. Thanks to Zesco Ndola Girls Football Club for this opportunity"

"I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude towards my stay in New Zealand , I got injured a few days to the biggest tournament which is the World Cup. A Tournament I have always wanted to participate [in] as a young dreamer"

"What’s yours is yours, regardless of age."

"I think we're not just physically on the field, but spiritually, in everything that we're doing, together"

"I have massive hope of relighting my career on the field of play within the possible time, everyone in New Zealand has been supportive and encouraging while I was out there injured. Massive thanks go to the Zambian Government, Sports Minister Mr Elvis Nkandu i really appreciate for the father figure role you played, The Football Association of Zambia, The Ministry and the people back home for the support and warm encouragement"

"Barbra keeps pushing us, telling us 'girls, we can do this' in every word that she speaks. She says 'we' and of course, it really encourages us to say 'OK, she's not playing but obviously she's among us"

"I feel it's a very great achievement, especially for women's football"

"Realistically, men have held many of these influential positions for years, which can limit access for women. I don’t like that reality; but given the current climate, it’s crucial for women to support each other and create our own opportunities."

"I try not to conform and prefer to stay in my own world. I spend a lot of time alone, which allows me to hear my own voice more clearly and avoid getting caught up in industry noise. I’m still learning about this industry and don’t know it deeply, but I’ve realised it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing."

"It feels so great. Kennedy is my inspiration so, for me, this is so encouraging and it really gives me more hope and more courage to keep on working extra hard"

"She did not play any games. So for me, of course, when she’s back on the training pitch, which I hope is going to be soon, then she will be in focus for the national team"

"That's the very year we also qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. If you look at the team that qualified for the Women's World Cup, half of it came from the U17 World Cup"

"Because of social media, everything is so available."

"I really want to experience more, because now it's at a senior level. I'm very excited and looking forward to the World Cup"

"The development is very great and I feel everyone now is focused to say we can go further - even to those people that were doubting themselves are now encouraged"