Donnelly's dream debut as she shares pitch with idol Seoposenwe
Image: Backpagepix
Striker Ronnel Donnelly has already realised two important dreams at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco.
The 21-year-old earned her maiden Banyana Banyana cap in South Africa's 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener on Monday — a moment made even more special as she shared the pitch with her long-time idol and national teammate, Jermaine Seoposenwe.
'Honestly, no, not at all,' said Donnelly, when asked if she expected to make her debut against the Black Queens at Honneur Stadium in Oujda.
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'I didn't think I'd get the chance to play alongside the people I look up to — like Jermaine. I look up to her in every way possible, so actually playing with her has been an honour. I didn't expect it at all, but I am so grateful to be here. Like, tjo!'
Donnelly's admiration for Seoposenwe clearly runs deep. Having finally shared the field with her in an official match, the young forward now believes that even greater things lie ahead.
'Oh, my God, it felt really good!' she gushed.
'It gave me hope and showed me that there's so much I can learn from her. 'I enjoy playing with her a lot in training, and when we both got onto the pitch at the same time, I thought: 'Damn, I see something here'.'
Her self-belief has grown since earning her first national cap, but Donnelly was already firmly on coach Desiree Ellis' radar, thanks to her exploits in the Hollywoodbets Super League and with Varsity side University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Just want to leave it all out there!! pic.twitter.com/6bLLTO50uP — Jermaine Seoposenwe (@jermaine109) July 8, 2025
Donnelly had a standout 2024 campaign with UWC — winning the COSAFA Cup, playing in the CAF Women's Champions League, and earning both the Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer awards at the Varsity Football Cup.
Despite those achievements, nerves still crept in when her national debut beckoned.
'I was obviously nervous because it was my first time playing for the team,' she said.
'But the fact that I went in meant I must be doing something right in training — that's motivating. 'It shows there's something in me, and now I need to buckle down and work even harder to get more caps.'
We don't just train for ourselves, we train for millions behind us.
Every session is a promise to the badge 🇿🇦#NationalTeamPride#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/DMbLUxprHa — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 8, 2025
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