Nedbank Cup takes Sibongile Marokana closer to Lerumo Lions dream

Speaking to SABC Sport, after being pitted against Motsepe Foundation Championship log leaders Durban City, Marokana is seeing her plan fall into place.

Lions, campaigning in the North West ABC Motsepe League, is known for its flamboyance through their club owner, who has big ambitions beyond the Ke Yona tournament.

"I've always had a plan, there's always been a vision. It's not like I woke up and felt, 'Oh, what can I do today?' There's always been a vision and a plan," said Marokana.

"And it's good to see everything I talk about actually coming into [fruition], like actually seeing it and experiencing it, and being a part of it is exciting for me.

"For me, it's a calling – it's deeper than just what people see at face value, so it's amazing, and each day I grow confident in the calling and in my boys because I can see the difference its making in their lives.

"[The goal is] definitely PSL [top-flight] – I think I've been very vocal about it, I'm not shying away from it, I'm proud and I'm going strong and I'm going to get there.

"So it will be great to have a female-owned team that is in the premier league from the North West, and it's been a long time since the province has had a team in the premier league, so it will be great to make that step, especially coming from a woman as well."

Marokana was hoping Lions, previously known as Bokone NW FC before the chairlady’s takeover, would be drawn against a premier division team, but she’s confident of beating Durban City and possibly facing a top-flight side in the last 16.

"I am very excited about the draw. Obviously it was not a team I was expecting to be [drawn] against, but I'm excited and looking forward to it," she added.

"I wouldn't want to divulge [who they were expecting to be drawn against], as long as it wasn't Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns – there was a fave I wanted, but unfortunately it didn't happen, but I'm still good with the team that we got."

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