It’s been quite a journey for 30-year-old Banyana Banyana defender Nothando Vilakazi who has been playing for the national team for more than 10 years, earning more than 100 caps.
Recently she signed her first international contract with Lithuania side Gintra Universitetas to further her experience in the game.
Now based in Lithuania, Vilakazi joined Banyana Banyana in the United States and formed part of the squad that played the international friendly match in Santa Clara, California.
Growing up Middleburg, Vilakazi’s love for football began at the age of 9 when she started playing with boys. Although her mother did not want her to play the game, the support from her aunt is what inspired her to pursue the sport.
“I used to play for a boys’ team, and I travelled a lot with them, but my mother was not comfortable with this arrangement. The team that I played for was owned by sporting personality Walter Mokoena.
“Although I played with boys, during camp Walter’s mother would make a plan for me and make sure that I slept at their house because I was the only girl in the team,” said Vilakazi.
The left-footed defender only started playing football with girls at the age of 14. She then started competing in the Sasol League when she was 17, playing for the Highlanders team in Mpumalanga.
Her experience in playing with boys gave her the confidence to compete and play better than most girls.
“Coming into the Sasol League and playing with girls was an eye-opener for me. It is a nationwide league that helped expose me to different players around the country and kept me on my toes.
“If it wasn’t for the Sasol League, I don’t know where I would be today. Their involvement did not only change the face of women’s football in South Africa but my own personal life as well. For a change, I was able to make a difference at home and assist my parents,” she added.
As part of their preparations for the world stage, Banyana Banyana faced the USA, who are the world champions and No 1-ranked nation in women’s football, in a game that provided the team with some perspective on what to expect when they compete in the World Cup in June.
“The USA friendly was an important match for us because they are the world champions. They have one of the best leagues in the world, something we hope to see as women footballers in South Africa,” said Vilakazi.
“I think showcasing our talent and competing on a global stage will definitely bring positive change into the sport. Hopefully, sponsors such as Sasol will continue supporting and making a difference in women’s football.”
Although joining Gintra Universitetas is one of her biggest achievements, Vilakazi’s favourite moment in her football career was at the 2017 Cosafa Women’s Cup when she reached her 100th cap.
“Reaching 100 caps definitely tops my favourite moments in my football career. It was a great feeling and I was really emotional because, at that moment, I realised that anything is possible.”
