We should be equal to men in this sport – Mamelodi Sundowns women’s player Nhlapho

Mamelodi Sundown’s Nhlapho calls for equality in women’s game

JOHANNESBURG, November 11 (ANA) – Mamelodi Sundowns captain Zanele Nhlapho hopes the women’s African Champions League will help in developing the game in South Africa, and the rest of Africa.

Fresh off scoring the winning goal in her side’s 1-0 Group victory over Rivers Angels in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, Nhlapho called for better recognition of the women’s game.

Nhlapho told CAFOnline.com: “We are never taken seriously as female footballer, but I feel that this is changing gradually. We should be equal to men in this sport because we play it well.”

The 30-year-old defender also spoke about her journey in football.

“At six-years-old, football was very interesting for me. My family encouraged me to play and then I started playing with a girls’ team after playing in the streets for a long time. I transferred between teams until I joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2007 and I’ve been playing for that team since then. I only played abroad in 2019-2020 season and then came back here in 2021.”

Competing in the first-ever women’s African Champions League was the pinnacle of Nhlapho’s career she explained.

“Playing in the TotalEnergies WCL for the first time will open opportunities for us, it’s an honor for us to be here after being the champions of COSAFA. There are many players who wish to be in our place right now, we are very grateful to be here. And I feel it can open more opportunities for me, so I’m grateful.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman