University of the Western Cape (UWC) goalkeeper Regirl Ngobeni says it still feels like a dream to be called up to the senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana.
The former under-20 international has received her first senior Banyana Banyana call-up for a friendly against Netherlands in Zwolle, Netherlands on Saturday, 3 July 2021.
Ngobeni is in the form of her life in the Hollywoodbets Super League where she has kept five clean sheets in nine games. It was no surprise when she was deservedly voted the first UWC player of the month for May 2021.
Ngobeni could not contain her excitement about the potential chance to represent her country at senior level.
“I am feeling very excited, I am happy I finally got a chance, and I am going to do my best and learn as much as I can,” Ngobeni told Diski Voice.
“I just want to say thank you to my coaches for pushing me everyday because I know they see something; it is finally happening. It still feels like a dream! I still need someone to pinch me, to be like hey, wake up it is happening. But you know with the support I have from my teammates, back at home and from my friends it is amazing, everyone is happy that I am about to go out to showcase my talent because I have been waiting for this call, honestly, it has been a long time coming.”
The lanky goalkeeper feels the presence of her coach, Thinasonke Mbuli who is also the national team’s assistant coach and her UWC teammates in Sibulele Holweni, Bongeka Gamede and Noxolo Cesane in the national team will make her integration into the team smoother.
“It feels very overwhelming, and I am happy with the fact that I have people who will back me up in my coach and my teammates as it is my first time (with the senior national team). It is very nice to have them and to be going with them, so I hope to have a good experience and come back home and teach the rest of my teammates.”
Ngobeni added that she plans to take full advantage of the fact that her coach is also a part of the national team.
“For the fact that I can consult, have a talk with my coach is an advantage, not everyone is exposed to that so I must use the resources I have. My coach knows me best!”
Written by: Diski Voice
