Melinda Kgadiete from Mdantsane NU1 says she aims to make her presence felt in the Banyana Banyana squad jetting off to the 2018 Cyprus Women’s Cup yesterday afternoon.
Kgadiete, who’s also a Basetsana (U20 national side player), received her first call up to the national side when Banyana played two international friendlies against Sweden in Cape Town earlier this year.
She said she wanted to do well so she could prove herself to the newly appointed head coach Desiree Ellis, even though it hasn’t been smooth sailing journey for her.
“The first game I played I was very nervous until I got a few touches, then I got to relax. And my teammates were encouraging me to play my ball and take it easy.
“I entered that game during the last 20 minutes and I really enjoyed myself after I got into my comfort-zone.
“Because at first I was even afraid to enter the pitch, thinking to myself that I was not going to make it, but as soon I started playing, everything became easy for me.
“And I think what made me more nervous was that Sweden is rated fourth in the world rankings, so they were very strong, but thankfully I managed to cope,” Kgadiete said.
The Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies striker, 26, said she was excited to be included in the 18 player squad heading to Cyprus.
“It has always been my dream to play for the senior team when I was younger, and now that the opportunity has availed itself, I won’t disappoint myself and my fellow citizens.
“I’m very excited to be heading to Cyprus for this tournament but my worry is that I have not exactly gotten used to the full squad, but hopefully the days we’ll spend in camp will make a difference.
“Hopefully when we arrive at Cyprus we’ll be communicating a little bit better than the last time.”
Kgadiete said overseas weather conditions didn’t have any impact on her game. She has travelled the globe with the U20 side and, whether it is hot or freezing, she finds a way to cope with whatever she is confronted with.
“I’ve been to the Reunion Island. I have even played in Madagascar, so I don’t think I’ll be affected by the weather conditions. I also have played in Nigeria, where it was too hot, but I managed to do well.
“But this time I’m hoping I can come back home with a goal and help the team to reach the next round of this competition.”
Meanwhile, Ellis was dealt a blow earlier this week when experienced midfielder, Kholosa Biyana, was ruled out with a knee injury she suffered while playing a friendly game for her team, University of KwaZulu-Natal, against Bafana Bafana on Monday.
Doctors ruled her out for three weeks but she said that gives her hope that she would be able to heal just before preparations take place for the Afcon qualifiers.
“I trapped the ball, but I made a mistake of controlling it and then the next thing I felt was stinging pain on my knee. But at least I have a chance to prepare for the Afcon qualifiers, so I’m not feeling that bad. I know these things happen,” said Biyana.
Kgadiete looks to impress for Banyana
Kgadiete, who’s also a Basetsana (U20 national side player), received her first call up to the national side when Banyana played two international friendlies against Sweden in Cape Town earlier this year.
She said she wanted to do well so she could prove herself to the newly appointed head coach Desiree Ellis, even though it hasn’t been smooth sailing journey for her.
“The first game I played I was very nervous until I got a few touches, then I got to relax. And my teammates were encouraging me to play my ball and take it easy.
“I entered that game during the last 20 minutes and I really enjoyed myself after I got into my comfort-zone.
“Because at first I was even afraid to enter the pitch, thinking to myself that I was not going to make it, but as soon I started playing, everything became easy for me.
“And I think what made me more nervous was that Sweden is rated fourth in the world rankings, so they were very strong, but thankfully I managed to cope,” Kgadiete said.
The Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies striker, 26, said she was excited to be included in the 18 player squad heading to Cyprus.
“It has always been my dream to play for the senior team when I was younger, and now that the opportunity has availed itself, I won’t disappoint myself and my fellow citizens.
“I’m very excited to be heading to Cyprus for this tournament but my worry is that I have not exactly gotten used to the full squad, but hopefully the days we’ll spend in camp will make a difference.
“Hopefully when we arrive at Cyprus we’ll be communicating a little bit better than the last time.”
Kgadiete said overseas weather conditions didn’t have any impact on her game. She has travelled the globe with the U20 side and, whether it is hot or freezing, she finds a way to cope with whatever she is confronted with.
“I’ve been to the Reunion Island. I have even played in Madagascar, so I don’t think I’ll be affected by the weather conditions. I also have played in Nigeria, where it was too hot, but I managed to do well.
“But this time I’m hoping I can come back home with a goal and help the team to reach the next round of this competition.”
Meanwhile, Ellis was dealt a blow earlier this week when experienced midfielder, Kholosa Biyana, was ruled out with a knee injury she suffered while playing a friendly game for her team, University of KwaZulu-Natal, against Bafana Bafana on Monday.
Doctors ruled her out for three weeks but she said that gives her hope that she would be able to heal just before preparations take place for the Afcon qualifiers.
“I trapped the ball, but I made a mistake of controlling it and then the next thing I felt was stinging pain on my knee. But at least I have a chance to prepare for the Afcon qualifiers, so I’m not feeling that bad. I know these things happen,” said Biyana.
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