DLAMINI GRATEFUL FOR COSAFA WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER ACCOLADE

Cosafa Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year winner Andile Dlamini says she attributes her achievement to all the people working behind the scenes to promote women’s football.

The Mamelodi Sundowns and Banyana Banyana goalkeeper was nominated alongside her national teammate, Kaylin Swart, and Malawian goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.

Dlamini (31) also thanked the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) for laying a solid foundation for her football career.

‘’I attribute this award to the Almighty God, my mom, Mama Joy, to everyone working behind the scenes to promote women’s football,” said Dlamini.

I would also like to thank myself for not giving up, and thank Cosafa for laying a foundation for me to be where I am today. I am extremely grateful.”

Dlamini enjoyed huge success with her domestic club, Mamelodi Sundowns, leading them to the Hollywoodbets Super League, Cosafa Women’s Champions League, and Caf Women’s Champions League title for a second time.

The goalkeeper said her desire this year is to help Sundowns defend their domestic title and for Banyana Banyana to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title.

“My ambitions going forward for Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns — I just want to see Sundowns winning more titles and to see us at the Club World Cup.

“I want to see Banyana Banyana winning the Wafcon again and competing at Cosafa. I am proud of Banyana for keeping on and pushing,” she added.

Dlamini also praised her friend and teammate Kaylin Swart, saying that the Cosafa recognition speaks volumes regarding the amount of work they put in as goalkeepers.

“The amount of work we put in as goalkeepers in the country, it is not easy. Myself and Kaylin, this position needs you to be mentally strong. And I won this award for every goalkeeper I have worked with,” concluded Dlamini.

The goalkeeper said that she draws great inspiration from Mamelodi Sundowns number goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who walked away with the Cosafa Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year accolade.

— SABC.