14 Aug 2019

Having a pool of players outside the country can help enhance the performance of the national team.

The observation was made by some foreign based players in the senior women national football team, who believed that even though women football was still at infancy stage, it had young and talented players who could take the country to greater heights in future.

Thuto Ramafifi, who plies her trade in the United States and Sedilame Bosija, who plays for Bloemfontein Celtics in South Africa, are the only foreign based players who had travelled to Slovakia with the national team.

Ramafifi said in an interview that lack of resources hampered progress of most players.

 “If only two players in the national team are playing outside the country, it does not benefit the national team.

Only the two of us have access to good training facilities. What about the rest of the tea?” she asked rhetorically.

Ramafifi, who is studying for Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information System, was awarded the scholarship after impressing scouts while playing for the national team and Double Action football club.

She said the fact that she was playing in division two meant that she was playing high-level football.

She highlighted that they play 18 games per season after, which they proceed to the nationals to play with other teams.

American football, she said was of a high standard adding their women national football team had won four women world cups.

That alone, she said shows the level of women football in that country.

“I have been talking to some of my teammates to consider joining me in America, but they have to do well in their BGCSE.

Those who did not do well have to supplement in order for them to be admitted,” she said.

As for Bosija, playing for Bloemfontein Celtics had opened her eyes adding that her wish was to see more women playing across the border as that would help to grow the national team.

“I was spotted by Bloemfontein Celtics during our national team friendly against Lesotho. It is important to give it all when given an opportunity in the national team,” she said.ENDS