Asanda Hadebe grateful for support from Banyana Banyana senior players

Hadebe made her senior debut during the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Mozambique in October 2021 at the age of 16.

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Hailing from a small township just outside of Durban, Hammarsdale, she is currently the captain of Sasol League club Sunflower FC.

“They [Banyana senior players] are treating me well and they are very friendly. They’re helping me become a better player.’’

“They always encourage me to work hard and not focus on my mistakes. They also give me feedback on my errors and help calm my nerves. I am very open to learning from my mistakes, and I’m really grateful for them,” Hadebe said.

The 19 year-old is part of Banyana’s preliminary squad ahead of the two-legged clash against Tanzania.

The senior women’s national team coach Desiree Ellis will announce the final squad on Monday, 19 February.

 Hadebe says she overthinks the errors she makes at training because they might affect her chances of representing her country, she is however motivated to work harder.

“I’m nervous because when I make mistakes in training, I always think they might affect my chances of making the final squad. I am very motivated to make the final squad,” she said.

Hadebe grew up playing football with boys in the streets of Hammersdale and mentioned that she’s extremely thankful to be representing her country, whilst making people from her township proud.

“I’m really grateful and I know the people from home are very proud of me. We play very good football in Hammersdale and there aren’t a lot of girls that play football.’’

“My mother was a netball player and my father played football. So, I think my parents' love for sports really pushed me. I’m also happy that I got into football because if it wasn’t for it maybe I would be a disrespectful child and it just taught me to treat people with kindness. Sports changed my life.”