Andile Dlamini reflects on CAF Awards nomination

Dlamini was nominated for the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, alongside Moroccan Khadija Er-Rmichi and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie – with the latter picking up the accolade.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the Sundowns shot-stopper says she is happy to have been rewarded for her consistency as she wraps up 2024.

"It shows that consistency is key and just working hard under all circumstances in your life will reward you, so I'm just happy that I was nominated," said Dlamini.

"They say you have to work hard so you can be celebrated by nations, so I'm extremely grateful [for the recognition]."

Dlamini was named in the CAF Women’s Best XI, alongside teammates Karabo Dhlamini and Lebohang Ramalepe, as well as Banyana Banyana midfielder Linda Motlhalo.

The 32-year-old believes the upcoming year will demand quality form, and she is currently getting the necessary training to prepare for club and national team duty.

"I do have goals set for myself, which is just to maintain and keep my body as fit as possible because the upcoming year is a hectic one that demands pure focus and top performance, as well as great fitness," she added.

"So I don't actually have time to say I'm having a holiday because the preparations for next year start now, and if I want to be great next year and just stay consistent, I have to start focusing on the goal of wanting to achieve.

"Because you are not entitled to anything in life, you have to work extremely hard to get everything, so I need to work extremely hard now to get everything I want next year."

READ: Ex-Banyana player calls for continuity in SA U17 Women’s team