Masebe: An Honor To Represent Mzansi

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola


Award winning goalkeeper, Matshidiso Masebe, gracing Hollywoodbets purple carpet at Vodaworld in Midrand. (Photo Cred: @Matshidiso.Masebe official Instagram account)


Matshidiso Masebe, Hollywoodbets Super League goalie of the season, discusses her path from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of her football career. Competing against some of the country's best goalkeepers and emerging victorious, as recognized by national team selectors.

Masebe kept a staggering fourteen clean sheets to enable the Nthabeleng Modiko-coached team finish fourth in the Hollywoodbets Super League standings last season. Masebe outperformed season combatants like as Siphesihle Dlamini of the University of the Western Cape and Banyana Banyana number one goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who also plays for JVW Football For Girls, by conceding less goals.

"I'm truly humbled and honored to receive this award. To be recognized among such talented goalkeepers like Kaylin Swart is a testament to my hard work and dedication. I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete against the best, and to have come out on top is an incredible feeling." Said Masebe.

Growing up in one of the country's most isolated places, Bochum, away from the bright lights of the cities, gave Masebe little to no chance of making it to the professional ranks. Masebe tells ShakingInk that she didn't expect her career to turn out the way it did, but she's glad to be a torchbearer for children from similar backgrounds.

"Growing up in Bochum, I didn't have many resources or opportunities, but I had a passion for football. I used to play with makeshift balls and goals, and my love for the game only grew stronger. I never thought I'd make it to the professional level, but my family, coaches, and teammates believed in me. Now, I'm living my dream, and I hope to inspire others from similar backgrounds to chase their aspirations" Added Masebe.

The 22-year-old born star began her football career as a striker, poaching goals, but an injury to a teammate forced her to shift her focus from banging in goals to stopping them. Masebe says playing as a striker before helped her acclimate to her role as a shotstopper.

"The transition was challenging, but I've always been eager to learn and adapt. As a striker, I developed my footwork and agility, which have surprisingly helped me in goalkeeping. I'd say I'm still learning and improving as a goalkeeper, but I'm enjoying the process. It's hard to compare my skills as a striker versus a goalkeeper, but I'm proud of the progress I've made."

Masebe was crowned the best shot stopper in the domestic league just a fortnight ago, but she never expected Banyana Banyana mentor Dr. Desiree Ellis to offer her a chance to represent South Africa in the upcoming international friendlies against neighbouring Lesotho.

"I was thrilled and surprised to see my name on the list! It's always an honor to represent my country, and I'm excited to be part of the squad. While I had hopes of being selected, I didn't take anything for granted. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow with the team." Masebe wrapped up.

@Lamola_Herold


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