Ambani Raphadana is a 14-year old who hails from the Tshiozwi village in Louis Trichardt, in the Limpopo Province, and it’s easy to imagine this footballer as cut from a different cloth, coming from a new generation who show remarkable ambition and determination at a tender age.
This admirable young talent is one among a number of female football prodigies, extremely talented young girls who are laying out massive potential as future Banyana Banyana stars, poised to take the international football world by storm.
Raphadana plays for a team called Sinthumulekutama Ladies, in Stream B of the SAFA Limpopo Sasol Women’s League.
Her introduction to the beautiful game was like most of the Banyana stars we love and know today, that started from the proverbial bottom, often playing with boys, to donning the national team jersey or securing lucrative deals abroad.
“I started by playing street football, I grew up playing football on the streets, and the love just kept growing from that, and I really wanted to play it professionally.”
Football Prodigy in the Making, Ambani Raphadana
“After school I go straight to the field then later I study until late hours.” As she explains how she juggles her first year in High School and chasing the big time in football.
“I always make sure I don’t overdo one over the other. My family encourages me to play football, but they always remind me that education is also important and I don’t want to disappoint them.”
A Grade 8 learner at the Sinthumule High School, Raphadana was selected for the CAF School Football Championship’s U15 team, that eventually won the tournament earlier in the year.
She reflects on the day she got the news of her first call up into the national fold.
“I was happy and it came unexpectedly because, I didn’t believe it, but I really just wanted to take the opportunity and make it the best.
“I was so scared because it was the first time to play on that level. I was nervous but I always reminded myself that I am here and was chosen out of many other talented ladies. I enjoyed myself so much and I am really proud of myself.”
Soon after that, her standout performances earned her a call up in the U17 team that featured in the recently concluded COSAFA U17 Women’s Championship hosted at the University of Johannesburg in November.
Bantwana, as they are affectionately know, needed a draw to secure a semi-final spot in the youth regional tournament, however, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Madagascar shattered their dreams of defending their title.
Nonetheless, Raphadana learnt some valuable lessons despite the disappointing loss.
“I came back with a lot of experience and I learnt that whenever you get the chance to play you need to work hard and be disciplined. I also learnt that it is important to believe in myself so that when I get big opportunities I can make the best of them so that I can grow stronger and gain more experience.”
Coming from a village and some of the rural spaces in South Africa sometimes means limited resources and it requires a resilience that will set one apart.
In her advice to her peers, Raphadana says a change in mentality and outlook in life could be the game changer.
“They need to believe in themselves, working hard and discipline will take them far, I want them to know that everything is possible. You can come from the villages and go play at big tournaments that can expose you to the world.”
In a plea to prospective sponsors, the midfielder highlights the impact sponsorship would have in her community and for her as an individual too.
“They need to invest in young girls so that they can take them out of the streets. Getting a sponsor would also mean the world to me so I think big companies seeing us and wanting to help us grow in soccer will make our dreams come true.”
As she continues to chase her dream of one day playing for five-time Hollywoodbets Super League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns and Real Madrid in Spain, she says she has been inspired by and looks up to senior women’s national team captain Refiloe Jane.
“She is so talented and humble and has been playing overseas for many years, but still takes her passion very seriously. She is my hero, and it was a dream meeting her.”
With 2025 around just a matter of days away, Raphadana has a lot to look forward to.
“I am very excited about next year because I’m going to join a High Performance Centre Academy. I received a scholarship for four years from SAFA and that is going to take me very close to my dreams.”
Raphadana is truly a sponsors dream, her rise could inspire many around her community and across the country. Sponsorship could help elevate her skills to a point where she’s noticed by Banyana Ba Style or even any teams abroad.
At this age, why not back a 14-year old and see her grow both in age and also in stardom as well. We can only benefit as a country and a people.
Main Photo Caption: In just one year, Ambani Raphadana has played for both the U15s and U17s in the CAF School Champs and the COSAFA U17 Women’s Champs, and this football prodigy in the making has her heart set on a future as a Banyana Banyana star. Photo: Supplied
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