TWO Umasizakhe-born soccer stars, Alexandria Tuurvlei (19) and Asavela Malome (18), are on the brink of making history by being the first competitors from this community to make it to the women’s national team.
Banyana Banyana’s soccer trials will be held in Gauteng later this year.
The two ladies were recently invited to participate in the u/19 women’s soccer trials that were jointly organised by SAFA, SASOL and the NFD Women’s League.
If they are called up, they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent in front of national team selectors and soccer scouts from the various women’s soccer leagues.
The two players received the opportunity by being involved with a local soccer team, GRT Soccer Academy, which facilitated the move through the networks and affiliations of their coach, Shakes Galada, in regional and national soccer bodies.
Tuurvlei, a midfielder, and Malome, a defender, are very optimistic about the prospects of being selected, as they have made good impressions during the trials.
During Mid-Karoo Express’s visit, “Tsima” as Tuurvlei is affectionately known to her peers, could not hold her excitement at the prospects of being a Banyana Banyana player.
“I hope and pray that God answers my prayers, as I would really love to represent my country one day,” she said.
Tuurvlei has been playing soccer since her early childhood days and could be seen chasing the soccer ball with young boys her age in the dusty streets of Umasizakhe.
The whole community of Umasizakhe is behind her as she will once more prove that one’s circumstances should not hinder one in achieving one’s dreams in life.
