Focus on Upstarts as Cyprus Cup Kicks Off

Just two years ago, the names of exciting talent Jermaine Seoposenwe and Robyn Moodaly were unheard of in South African women’s football across all age groups.

But such has been the rise to stardom of the two girls that it is proving difficult to name a Banyana Banyana squad without them on the list nowadays.

Having shone at the Under 17 Women’s World Cup held in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 (where the two who had recently matriculated) with their fine display under Solly Luvhengo and Joseph Mkhonza’s (then assistant coach) guidance, the two were always destined for greater things.

Their stay with the Basetsana Under20 side was short-lived as they soon graduated to the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana side owing to their outstanding performances in the juniors’ setup. “I learned a lot and quite quickly from my time I was under coach Solly Luvhengo,” recalls Seoposenwe.

“I am putting all those elements together here with Banyana Banyana,” said the forward. “Together with the lessons we were taught off the field, I suppose that is why I have not struggled to adapt from the juniors to Banyana set up.”

Seoposenwe turns 20 this year, and plies her trade for the Sasol League side, University of Western Cape Ladies, where she is studying Bcom General. Regarded as one of the top players in the team currently in Cyprus, she remains humble about her outstanding dribbling and scoring abilities.

“I don’t believe I am a star, I just play my normal game and work hard for the sake of the team’s success,” she added.

Speedy winger, Robyn Moodaly, who formed a deadly combination with Seopesenwe from their days with the junior national teams, has 13 caps for Banyana Banyana and will be playing her first tournament with the team in this year’s Cyprus Cup tournament having been promoted from the juniors in 2011.

“It is an honour and I am excited to be here with the team. The graduation though comes with lots of pressure, but I am positive and hoping to get a chance to play, even if it is for a few minutes so that I can show my worth,” said the East London-born girl.

Moodaly came on as a substitute in the practice match against New Zealand on Saturday in Larnaca where she showed flashes of brilliance playing on the left wing where she formed a good understanding with midfielders Refiloe Jane and Amanda Dlamini.

“I have to put my individual ambitions aside and work hard for the team and if we can build on from the good practice outing against New Zealand last Saturday, I think I will have a good tournament here in Cyprus.

“If we are able to create and score goals and close down teams, I believe we can start well with a victory over South Korea whom we have studied over the past few days,” explained the 19-year old speedy winger.

After the Cyprus tournament, Moodaly will start packing her bags as she embarks on a journey to the United States where she will study at AIB College and also play football for the same school.

“It is really exciting to get such an opportunity to move abroad and showcase my talent. I would like to see how things are done internationally while still work hard to remain within the radar of the Banyana selectors,” she said.

Banyana open their Cyprus Cup encounter with a match against South Korea on Wednesday, 2:30pm (SA time).

The side is aiming to do better than the 10th spot they managed here at the same tournament last year. The Sasol-sponsored side’s next games are against Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.