TuksSport High School can boast with something that no other high school in South Africa can, and it is that two of its learners are going to represent Banyana Banyana at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France, starting next month (7 June – 7 July).

The two players are Sibulele Holweni and Karabo Dhlamini. Their selection proves again that the Safa Girls Soccer Academy program based at Tuks is working. The Banyana Banyana captain, Janine van Wyk, and Africa's foremost female football player for 2018, Thembi Kgatlana, are also former Academy proteges.

Kudos to Sheryl Botes the Academy Coach who already predicted in February that Holweni has what it takes to play for the national team. 

"An exciting player who can think on her feet," was how Botes described her. 

She also got quite excited when talking about Dhlamini football skills. According to Botes, she realised from day one that Dhlamini is an exceptional talent.
 
"The very first moment I saw her dribbling I knew she is the real deal. Apart from her utter discipline and hunger to the best, she is a left-footer, and that is a definite asset to any player."

Botes does not want to make a big thing about the Academy's success, saying that they are merely fulfilling the mandate given to it by Safa. 

She summarises their success with just one word. It is discipline. Judged by the way she said it, it is undoubtedly written in capital letters and followed by a couple of exclamation marks as well.

But she is being modest. One of the reasons the likes of Holweni and Dhlamini get to play for Banyana Banyana at such a young age is her passion for football.

"If I see a talented player with fantastic skill, it puts a smile to my face, and I get that 'Wow feeling'. It is as if all the challenges there might be fades away. All that matters is to get this 'Wow player' to play to the best of their ability. The goal I set myself is to identify at least one exceptional player, a rough diamond, every year."

Dhlamini got five caps to her name playing for Banyana Banyana. Her "journey" began when she was seven years old, playing football with boys in the streets of Tembisa. Even though the boys were stronger and more robust, she continued to play in boys' teams for quite a few years. 

She admits to it being tough playing with the boys in the streets, but still, she enjoyed every minute. 

"I think that is how my passion for football developed." 

A year ago Holweni was leading the South African under-17 women's national team as captain at the World Cup Tournament in Uruguay. She then went on to represent the South African women's under-20 team. She debuted this year for Banyana Banyana playing as midfielder in the game against the USA. She has got two caps to her name.

The Tuks player, Mapaseka Mpuru, is also going to be in action at the World Cup.