Abongwe Mseleku fell in love with Mamelodi Sundowns for one particular reason. It's not the titles, but how they are one of the clubs in South Africa who have invested in a women's team.
Mseleku, who has had aspirations of playing the game of football, enjoys watching both the women's and men's teams of Sundowns and she just loves the fact that they win titles, which shows their dominance in South African football. Soccer Laduma recently caught up with her to talk about her love for Masandawana.
What led to your decision to supporting Mamelodi Sundowns?
Well, it was the only team that I knew had a ladies team. Because I actually want to play football professionally, so I actually wanted to go to Sundowns. That's how I started supporting them, because I saw that they were a team that took ladies football seriously and I liked that a lot.
Do you still want to play football at a professional level?
Yes, I still want to.
Have you tried to get yourself into one of the ladies football teams in the country?
Yes, I have tried. I've been to watch some of the games and I've spoken to some of the coaches. What I am supposed to do is find a team that plays in the Sasol League, so that I can actually get into their team. So, that's how I've been trying.
What do you like about the women's and men's teams of Sundowns?
I think I just like the way they play. They have very strong players. When they get onto the pitch, they know what they are supposed to do and they win most of the time. I do watch the ladies team. I've gone to watch a match live and I've also watched a lot of their games on TV. They are so determined and they usually win.
Do you have a favourite player in the Sundowns women's team?
Not really. I have a favourite in the men's team.
Who is it?
It's (Peter) Shalulile. It's because he is a strong player and he knows what he is doing on the pitch. He scores a lot of goals for Sundowns. I like the way he plays.
What did you think of how Banyana Banyana performed at the recent FIFA Women's World Cup?
I am really proud of them because women's football is not taken seriously. So, them being there and doing so well shows how seriously it should be taken. The players are determined to get women's football to be taken seriously. Them being there was huge. They played well and it's great for the country.
Do you see yourself playing for Banyana Banyana one day?
Hopefully (laughs).
