Mamelodi Sundowns ladies star Andile Dlamini explained how professional football helped her go from playing with one boot to competing in an international tournament.
The side will be jetting off to Kansa City, United States to compete in the 2024 Women's Cup where they will face tough opponents in the form of Atletico de Madrid, the Kobe women's team from Japan, and hosts Kansas City Current.
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With the tournament taking place in August, in Women's month, Dlamini opened up about her past struggles, how she looks to inspire the youth, as well as what it means to her to be in the position that she currently finds herself in.
This year's edition of the tournament will take place over two game days scheduled to take place on August 14 and 17.
The Sundowns Ladies team have made history by being the first African side to be invited to the tournament.
The opportunity to do so was facilitated through the club's consultancy partnership with world renowned agency Roc Nation Sports International.
In a video posted by The Women's Cup, produced by RNSI Productions, the shot-stopper stated that women can achieve anything, and used her very own past experiences as proof.
"I believe that women have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to," the 31-year-old said.
"The struggles I had getting into football, I had no boots at one point, I played with my takkies. A professional contract changed my life. I'm able to support my family because I'm the breadwinner."
The goalkeeper also went to explain that the landscape of women's football on the continent has proven to be challenging.
"As a woman, it's not easy playing football in Africa because not all teams actually support their women.
"A lot of girls and teams are struggling with getting sponsorships.
"I'm just grateful to be a part of it, and I pray that a lot of girls receive the opportunity to get a professional contract because it changes your life."
Dlamini then went on to explain the type of legacy she would like to leave behind, saying that she would like to lay the foundation for the next generation.
"I would just want to see the biggest inspiration, like Nelson Mandela, you know what he has done for this country.
"He has given us freedom to express ourselves, I want to leave that legacy as well.
"I want to lay the foundation for the young up-and-coming generation. It's all about us teaching them, and actually sharing the knowledge that we have for football.
"I hope to inspire young women around the world to achieve their dreams, believe in yourself and work hard!"
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