Banyana Banyana’s Noxolo Cesane on track for another career milestone

The Mexico-based forward is now gunning for a spot in coach Desiree Ellis’ final 23-man squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup next month.

She says being in the initial squad feels like ticking another box after successes in the COSAFA Cup and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in the recent past.

"Since I was very young, I've always wished to win the top tournaments in Africa – to be part of the history [of Banyana], so I went to the COSAFA and it was my first time playing in such a tournament with the national team, I was so happy because we won," she explaied.

"So I've been pushing to be part of the national squad that will be [playing at] the World Cup. I'm very excited and very grateful that I get that trust, and by God's grace it's all done."

Cesane faces stiff competition to fulfil her ambition of a debut World Cup, with the likes of Nomvula Kgoale, Gabriela Salgado, and Melinda Kgadiete also gunning for a spot on the flight to Australia and New Zealand.

The 22-years says she would be devastated if she misses the trip Down Under. 

"Man, I would cry [if left out of the final squad], shame. I would feel so disappointed to the point where I would kinda like lose hope, or like... Ja," she explained.

"I'll just feel like giving up at some point, where I don't give a damn, I don't give a thing. Whatever people say, I'll just have that mind that, 'But still, wethu."

European leagues remain the most attractive for footballers, and South Africans are no different. After a short stint in France, Cesane signed for Tigres Femenil to become the second Banyana player in Mexico, alongside Jermaine Seoposenwe of FC Juárez. However, she does not believe this gives either of them any advantage in the final squad, as Coach Ellis selects for every eventuality.

"We all have to work. We don't know what's there for us. Yes, I play abroad, but there are also players perfoming playing in South Africa. It's not like all the abroad players are good and perfect, but it's a matter of working for your spot," she argued.