Nicole Michael’s football journey embodies the continuity we admire in athletes. It began with her participation in the National U17s at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and has since evolved, making her a pivotal player for Desiree Ellis’ Banyana Banyana.
The attacker, who has been sensational for her club TS Galaxy, initially honed her skills playing football on the streets of Riverlea, West of Johannesburg. From there, she made her mark with teams like Bloemfontein Celtics and Royal AM Ladies, fuelled by her passion and love for the game, which propelled her ambitions forward.
Michael made an immediate impact for Banyana, scoring a crucial goal against Burkina Faso in a 3-1 victory, marking her first goal for the reigning WAFCON champions. This performance secured them an opportunity to defend their trophy at the next tournament in Morocco 2025.
As this dynamic star etches her name in the history books of South Africa’s football, she admits the road to being an international star has had a few challenges.
“The challenges I face are financial setbacks and mental toughness.” Issues that are no surprise due to the underfunding of women’s football and women’s sport in general. While also noting that football, in its nature, is extremely competitive and a high pressure environment driven by fans expectations and positive results.
The 23 year old has a knack for entering a space and dominating almost instantly. When she comes into a team club or country. Her impact is felt as she hits the pitch. In her first season with the TS Galaxy Queens she found the back of the net 14 times in 29 games as the Mpumalanga side finished 4th in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
A feat that earned her a Fan’s Player of the Season award nomination at the Hollywoodbets Super League awards in December last year.
“It felt great knowing people notice the talent I am blessed with. It gives me the motivation to work hard and to get better.”
With the 2024 HSL season already underway, her club has been promising, with the team looking to pose a serious threat to champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Banyana Ba Styla are the most successful women’s team with a total of 6 titles. The likes of UWC FC, JVW, and Michaels Galaxy Queens but it has been a tough assignment.
“I believe if our league can have more sponsors it would help teams to build good structures and prepare properly for the league and games.”
With that said she also believes that the media has a responsibility in the growth of the game and teams in SA’s women’s premium division.
“To Market more women’s football games and promote each team just as much as the top teams.”
As the Riverlea-born gears up for the do-or-die clash against Nigeria in the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers, she says she’s learnt some valuable life-lessons from the beautiful game – football. “Football taught me to be discipline , to stay humble and to be dedicated to what I love,” she says as she reflects on the journey.
The rising Banyana star, who has all the ingredients to sign for a club beyond our borders shared two goals for this season.
“Personally, I want to score more goals than last year in the league and for Banyana Banyana.” For her club she says it’s straightforward, “Our team goal: we want to compete and we want to be in the top 2.”
Banyana have an assignment against foes Nigeria in a nail-biting showdown in April and at stake is a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. This in the final round of qualifying for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament starting with the first leg on 5 April 2024 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The second leg is slated for 9 April 2024 at Loftus Versveld.
Michael describes the journey to Olympic Qualification, with Ellis’ seeking a third chance at Olympic glory. “It’s been good we are working hard to qualify for the Olympics we stand a good chance so all we can do is focus and win the games remaining”
Plenty will be on offer considering that the two sides missed the last showpiece in Tokyo 2020. Nicole has so far shown up at the most crucial moments and never phased by big occasions, we look forward to seeing her continue to make history and put her name along with the SA flag in all the high places
The France box is not the only box Nicole plans to tick as she has dreams fit for the superstar she’s fast becoming including playing abroad for teams such as Liverpool.
“My club’s dream is to win the league and go to CAF and for my country is for women’s football to be professional just as the men and for Banyana to Qualify for Olympics and Win the Women’s AFCON again.”
Photo Caption: Nicole Michael has solidified her role as a dependable attacker for Coach Desiree Ellis’ squad and the TS Galaxy Queens. Touted as Banyana’s next superstar, Michael’s ambitions are palpable as we eagerly anticipate the decisive Olympic Qualifiers. All Photos: Supplied
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