In our exciting feature, How I Became a goalkeeper, former Banyana Banyana shot-stopper Delisile Mbatha reveals how an injury made her switch from a striker to a goalkeeper at the late age of 24.
"I was a striker, but my experience in basketball and volleyball made the transition easy for me because I was good with my hands.
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"I was a striker while playing for Tshwane University of Technology in the Students Games.
"I was the team's captain when I sustained an injury that forced me to go and play in goals.
"Eventually, I ended up falling in love with my new position.
"Diving was my biggest challenge in the beginning, but my passion for goalkeeping is what saw me through.
"Remember, I only became a goalkeeper at the age of 24."
Who are some of the goalkeepers you looked up to?
"I looked up to some gifted goalkeepers like Brian Baloyi, and John Tlale.
"Those are the goalkeepers who kept me motivated. I loved how they did their business on the pitch and how they carried themselves as professionals.
"I admired the way Brian Baloyi used to command his 18-area box and the way he dealt with the high balls and one-on-ones."
Who are some of the goalkeepers today who are your favourites?
"Locally I love watching Itumeleng Khune. I also enjoy watching Ronwen Williams He's doing wonders in goals for Bafana Bafana as a captain.
"Though he is quiet his great positioning makes up for it. And his distribution is improving a lot.
"Overseas I follow England national team goalkeeper Mary Earps, she impressed me greatly in the recently concluded Women's World Cup.
"It could have been worse in the final against Spain if it wasn't for her."
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