University of Johannesburg (UJ) soccer star Amanda Mthandi (22), who resides in Kibler Park, is over the moon about her selection for the national team to compete in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, AWCON, in Ghana.
The tournament commenced from November 17 until December 1. Banyana Banyana played their opening match on November 18 against Nigeria and recorded a win, beating them 1-0. Mthandi was selected on the bench for this match.
Mthandi was on the fringe of national selection this year, being included in an expanded squad, but she failed to make the final cut for an earlier tournament.
“This time I was excited to make the provisional squad for the Cup of Nations and when my name was read out in the final squad, I did not know how to react.
“I was ecstatic but at a loss for words,” said the second-year transportation management student.
Having been rewarded with the ultimate selection, Mthandi said she was eager to make an impact at the Ghana tournament, feeling she added something new to the national squad.
“I play as a wing, but I believe I have the sort of versatility in my game which can add some value.
“For example, I can play as a holding striker or I can adapt to the requirements of playing up front, running onto balls in an attacking position.”
One of her main objectives at AWCON is to score her first goal for her country.
“Obviously as a team, we want to qualify for next year’s World Cup, but my special aim is to net one for Banyana Banyana,” said Mthandi.
“I believe the experience I will gain playing at this level will help me improve as a player.”
The top three teams from the AWCON tournament will qualify for the World Cup to be held in France next year.
Mthandi’s national selection caps off a memorable year, the highlight of which she said was winning at the University Sports South Africa tournament in Port Elizabeth in July.
“That was a really good week for UJ soccer, especially for me after I was named Player of the Tournament and ended up being the top goal-scorer.”
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