In last week’s gsport Twitter Space, host Oarabile Diphoko delved into conversation with Banyana Banyana’s Nomvula Kgoale, who spoke about the ground-breaking year the team have had, which saw them feature on the Top 10 gsport Annual List of Newsmakers for 2022.
Diphoko was also joined by Valencia Seshoene, who was part of the magic as she captured all the moments at #GAL2022 and 2022 Momentum gsport Awards Supporter of the Year winner, Nakedi Thlathla, who was in attendance at the year-end event.
Speaking on being recognised for winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, Kgoale said: “WAFCON was part of the plan. Every year we have the year planned out, starting from qualifiers for the World Cup, Olympics. There is a calendar that we follow and we just take it one event at a time.
“In previous years we have come second and this year we said to ourselves, no matter what happens we have to come home with that medal. It was in everyone’s minds and it was not a secret at all. The only thing left was for us to go out and win it.” – Banyana Banyana’s Nomvula Kgoale
“Lipstick Lady”, as she is affectionately known, added: “I don’t think many people believed in us because for so many years we fell short.”
Following the win, the 27-year-old mentioned how different life has been since that night in Morocco. The biggest change being the financial aspect of the players lives,
“We were able to receive notable incentives and we are grateful to Sasol because they gave us financial advice… it can be overwhelming when you suddenly receive these large amounts.
“Even socially, now you walk into a shopping mall and everyone is starring at you and asking for pictures and now we have gotten to a point where we have to wear caps and hope no one recognises you.
“I don’t know how to explain this but the energy feels different right now, unlike before.” – Nomvula Kgoale
Talking about what comes next, Kgoale stated that she is focused on the future and wants to make the Banyana Banyana team for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Many people do not understand that before you can get to any of these coveted events, we have try outs and the reshuffling of the squad. This is the behind the scenes where players have to perform their best or they can easily be left out. Another focus of mine right now is also to look for a team because right now I am a free agent.”
Click here to listen to the full gsport Twitter Space conversation!
Photo 1 Caption: Banyana Banyana’s Nomvula Kgoale featured on gsport Twitter Space Thursday to chat about the national team’s achievements in 2022. Photo: Supplied
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