Khanyisa Manengela, who has been on the national teams radar for a while, has earned her first call-up to Banyana Banyana after putting in a great performance for the University of the Western Cape.
While she was shocked after receiving the call-up, Manengela has always believed that her turn would come to play for the Sasol- sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team.
‘Money’, as Khanyisa is affectionately known, was born and bred in Gugulethu, Cape Town, and played for Cape Town Roses before joining the University of the Western Cape in 2017 as both a player and a student. She has had a great season at club level, winning several player of the match awards and also helped UWC to qualify for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, which will be played in Morocco from 5 November 2024.
Speaking to www.safa.net, Manengela said she was over the moon after she received her call-up and it was testament that hard work pays off.
“I was so happy when my coaches told me that I had been called up to Banyana Banyana. It was something I was not expecting so soon, although I know that I have putting in the work. I was shocked that I got call-up this year. This call-up had been a goal to me to accomplish.
“I have always tried to push myself to the highest level, and playing in the COSAFA qualifiers for the Champions League really opened my eyes to the next level of football. This is where I want to be,” continued Manengela.
“I feel at home in the Banyana Banyana camp as some of my friends at club level are here. The senior players have really welcomed me with open arms. I am honoured to be playing with the Champions of Africa and can’t wait to start training and playing with these amazing players.
“I want to push myself during these two international friendlies so that I can impress the coaches enough to want me back to the Banyana Banyana fold. I am here to learn and grow as a player, but mainly to earn a spot in the team.”
Banyana Banyana will play their first of two international friendlies in Europe on Friday, 25 October 2024 against Denmark.
This match will be played at Aalborg Stadium at 6pm and it will be live on SABC Sport.
