Even as she faced hurdles, pitfalls and potholes along the way as she pursued her dream of becoming a footballer, Kanalelo Taiwe didn’t for once think of giving up. Nkareng
Forced to play with boys, she says so she could be stronger, her fighting spirit and resilience belies her age.
Her football journey started when she was seven years old in the streets of Mangaung but, unable to find a primary school that offered football for girls, she took a route so familiar to women who pursued the sport as a career. “I’m the youngest member of the [national U17] team, and I’m gaining invaluable experience,” she said.
Now a national player and on her way to stardom, she has even bigger dreams of playing abroad, aside from pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. “I want to one day play for Manchester City. It’s my ultimate dream. I like their style of play. I have for too long dreamt of playing in the national team and now that it is happening, it’s only a matter of time before I play for Banyana Banyana. Thereafter, I want to see myself overseas.