Kolisi let her boots do talking and gets a callup

CITY Lads Ladies’ top goalscorers are getting the recognition they deserve as they have been working very hard to stay on top of the Sasol League games since last season.

Nwabisa ‘ Nwabi’ Kolisi got her second callup to the Banyana Banyana camp scheduled for July 23 to 28.

Andisiwe Ndesi made it to the Eastern Cape squad going to Germany, and the camp starts on July 20 in East London.

Born and bred in KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, Nwabi, 24, started playing soccer in 2009 and it was the support from football lovers that motivated her to work harder to polish her skills.

“The supporters and my family kept encouraging me throughout my career.

“My coach and teammates are always available whenever I need them, it doesn’t matter what for,” she said.

Kolisi said her team always wants what is best for her. “So I always play for them too because they deserve my best performance every time we play,” she said.

The ruthless goalscorer, who rattled the net five times and missed three chances when they thrashed Continental Express 13-0, said she has a strict workout schedule that keeps her fitness levels on point.

“I work out everyday, twice a day and that by far has kept my fitness level on par.

“I first received a callup to the U20 Banyana squad three years ago and then I stayed a couple of years without getting called.

“I was over the moon when I got the call again this year and I want to stay at Banyana and solidify my position in the squad.”

Kolisi continued: “It’s not nice going there and then having to come back home to stay another three years.

“My aim is make sure that I am there for a long time.”

Ndesi, 32, who scored four goals during the same game, said she was humbled for making the team heading to Germany this time round.

“I am very excited about this trip. It’s my first time going out the country.

“Last year I went to the trials but then I didn’t make the cut,” she said.

The Lads’ deadly striker, originally from East London, has more than 15 years experience in football and will be playing centre-mid in the Eastern Cape squad in Europe.

“I started playing with boys in Ziphunzana when I was growing up and I have never stopped. Even though we don’t get paid, the team’s management makes sure we get everything we need, so that’s why we make sure we produce good results,” she said.

Ndesi also works for an NGO called United Through Sport, where they focus on developing athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with bursaries to study at former Model C schools from grades 8 to 12.

Lads chairwoman, Nomalungelo Mooi said there is nothing more fulfilling than to see the team getting recognition for their efforts.

“When you a team you don’t get paid and the only incentive is recognition and that’s more than enough for me, and as long these girls are making it that’s all that matters to me.

“It’s motivation for other players and they will also see that they can also achieve what these two ladies have done in their careers,” said Mooi.