Striker Mthandi wanted to be a goalkeeper
Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
Like many in the Banyana Banyana squad, Amanda Mthandi is juggling football and her studies in preparation for life after football – when the time for hanging up her boots arrives.
The University of Johannesburg student is one of the brightest stars to come out of the institution, where she is studying Transportation Management.
The 22-year-old made a name for herself when she gave a world-class performance at last year’s University Sport South Africa tournament in Port Elizabeth, helping UJ to win the competition and she ended up being the top-goalscorer and won the Player of the Tournament award.
Her incredible performances saw her make the Banyana squad for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana later in 2018, her first major tournament. At the competition, the Soweto-born player didn’t disappoint as she went on to score her first international goal for the team during the 7-1 thrashing of Equatorial Guinea.
“The experience was overwhelming, being part of the national team is a great achievement. I was very happy when I made it to the final list and I hope I can continue to work hard so that I become a regular in the squad.
“I can’t explain the feeling, because it was my first big tournament that I had been to. I have played in the Cosafa tournament and also the Varsity Cup, but there is nothing that comes close to playing in the Afcon.
The atmosphere was so very different compared to the Varsity Cup,” Mthandi says.
“Before the game against Equatorial Guinea, a friend of mine asked if I was in the line-up. I told her no, and she said if I got a chance I would score. So I was very happy I managed to score.”
Going back to her days when she started kicking the ball, Mthandi says she initially wanted to be a goalkeeper.
“When I started playing football I wanted to be a goalkeeper, then my cousin convinced me to become an outfield player. I then started playing for Orlando Pirates’ Apprentice Academy. But then I saw there were not enough girls to start the league. That’s when I decided to try another team. I played for Soweto Fabulous and during my first tournament I got the MVP,” she continues.
“I see myself playing abroad and continuing with my studies so that I can make my parents proud.”
The midfielder was also part of the team who played friendly games against the Netherlands and Sweden last month. She has also been included in the 23-woman team that will be competing at the Cyprus Women’s Cup later this month.