African Connections player Nosifundo Mfabana has secured a position in the Eastern Province U19 women’s
football team.
African Connections player Nosifundo Mfabana has secured a position in the Eastern Province U19 women’s
football team.
The 18-year- old striker from Extension 6 has recently been called to be part of the Banyana Banyana U20 national team.
Nosifundo embarked upon her career as an enthusiastic young girl who was always persistent in playing soccer with the boys in her area even though her parents did not like the idea.
“I used to play with boys in my neighbourhood as a small girl even though my parents did not agree with it.
But that had never stopped me from my dream because I love football!” she exclaimed.
Her supportive mother Noma Mfabana admits that in the beginning, they didn’t agree with the idea of her playing with the boys and that her father even gave her a couple of hidings because of it.
“We were not sure where this soccer was going but now we know there’s a lot of passion and achievements, so we came to accept it and now we are behind her all the way.”
At the age of 13, to many peoples’ surprise, Nosifundo joined a local boys team for which her older brother (and her inspiration) Mlungiseleli Mfabana was also playing.
After Mlungiseleli suffered a serious injury, she joined the club permanently, occupying her brother’s position as a striker.
Realising that soccer regulations might not allow her to continue playing in a boys’ team, she joined the African Connections under the leadership of coach Chris Totobela.
After a successful 2008/9 season, she was selected to represent the Cacadu district in the provincial trials in East London.
Nosifundo soon proved her ability on the field when she was picked to join the provincial U19 women’s squad which competed with other provinces.
In the tournament the EP U19 team played extremely well and made it to the finals, where they were beaten by Gauteng.
After completing her matric at Ntsika Secondary School last year, she has taken a break from studies and plans to commence next year in pursuit of her next dream of becoming a lawyer.
Unlike many local soccer stars, Nosifundo does not wish to be sold to an overseas club but rather to climb her way up to the first national women’s team, Banyana Banyana. Nosifundo hopes that other young women will gain confidence in their sport and follow suit.
