Latest news with #AmandaDlamini
CAF
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Amanda Dlamini: From Rural Roots to Ruling the Roost
Amanda Dlamini's journey from the remote hills of KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a celebrated CAF Legend and prominent football broadcaster is a story of resilience, talent, and unwavering determination. Born in Harding, a small rural town nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Dlamini's rise is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up far from the spotlight and major football hubs, she never imagined that the national stage was within her reach. 'Just the massive impact that playing for my national team has had on me personally, my family, and my community … I come from one of the smallest places back home in the deep rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal,' Dlamini reflects. 'When you tell people where you come from, everybody's like: where is that? From Johannesburg, it's about an eight-hour drive. I never thought anyone would discover me.' Despite her humble beginnings, Dlamini's talent and drive propelled her to the national stage. But the path was anything but easy. 'Having to leave home to pursue greener pastures – that wasn't comfortable. And I think that's why you find me now as part of the CAF Legends,' she says. Her message to young footballers is heartfelt and clear: 'You don't have to leave where you're from. Access and opportunities should come to you, to elevate your career and give you a chance. Leaving home wasn't easy; leaving my parents behind and chasing this football dream. But when I made it, my life changed.' Wearing the South African national team jersey wasn't just a personal milestone; it was a life-altering experience that reshaped her future and became a beacon of hope for young girls across under-resourced communities. 'And the little incentives you get; I won't lie, they help. You're able to lay the foundation for your home, ensure shelter, and pursue education. I managed to get into university because of football.' Scoring goals was never guaranteed, but when it happened, it was unforgettable. 'Scoring is not easy at international level; the quality is so high. Sometimes, the goal doesn't come. But when it does, you're relieved and grateful. I scored 25 goals. I never thought I'd even get to 10. I didn't even practice celebrations because I didn't think I'd score that many! But it became something I could pride myself on.' Her leap from player to broadcaster opened a new chapter. 'I'm now in broadcasting, and it all started with one talent I've had since childhood. I chased it. I've had amazing opportunities come my way even after football. I can't express enough how grateful I am to football.' She remembers one moment vividly: 'I get teary-eyed thinking about it. I've only been in commentary for two or three seasons, and getting to call the South Africa vs Morocco final on my birthday in Morocco… it was unbelievable.' She credits much of her growth to great mentorship: 'I had good mentors around me. Ben [Graham], a renowned commentator from Ghana, and Duane Dell'oca from South Africa, who's done the Olympics. I was in good hands. That was a massive opportunity.' Dlamini has also witnessed the dramatic evolution of the women's game in Africa. 'The women's game in Africa has seriously evolved. Five or six years ago, when we were still playing, things were different. Today's players enjoy more financial incentives, programs, and better opportunities.' Yet visibility, she stresses, is just as critical as investment. 'Equal pay isn't just about salary. Are we getting equal platforms? Equal access? Equal broadcasting rights? Women's football must be visible for people to know about it.' With more African teams now qualifying for major tournaments, Dlamini sees a bright future, but warns that talent alone won't win titles. As WAFCON 2024 approaches, she casts a thoughtful eye on Banyana Banyana: 'They come in as defending champions, which brings pressure. Everyone wants to beat the champions. My concern is whether South Africa will prepare adequately, understanding the weight they carry.' She adds: 'Morocco's home support is no joke. Their fans show up in massive numbers. And Nigeria, the record holders, will be out to reclaim their dominance. Banyana looks good on paper, but preparation is key.' Dlamini's story is more than a tale of personal triumph, it's proof of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. It's a call to action: to build systems where young athletes, no matter where they come from, don't have to leave everything behind to achieve their dreams. 'Life after football… I'm in broadcasting because of that one talent I chased as a kid. Football gave me everything. I'm truly grateful.' Her legacy continues to inspire, proving that dreams are possible, even from the most remote corners of South Africa.
CAF
03-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
With the new trophy, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations enters a new era
A golden glow illuminated Casablanca on July 2, 2025. In the elegant setting of Hotel Casablanca, CAF unveiled the new TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy. In front of the cameras and bright lights to the applause of legends of African Women's Football including Amanda Dlamini, Ajara Njoya and Lamia Boumehdi, an entire continent witnessed the birth of a new icon. A testament to the ambitions, struggles and rise of the women's game that now refuses to be marginalized. A visual shock, a collective thrill Inside the room, ear-to-ear smiles and a loud respectful silence swept across with a feeling anew. It was a powerful moment. An unforgettable experience. And the word on everyone's lips was - emotion. For it was not just a trophy that was presented, but the reflection of a struggle. That of football that has long had to justify itself, convince, and exist despite everything. That of the women who laced up their boots when no one believed in them. This Wednesday, they were celebrated. Amanda Dlamini, former captain of the Banyana Banyana, now a TV consultant, did not hide her enthusiasm: "When I started, we played to exist. Today, young people play to win. This trophy is the symbol of this transition. The dream continues, but it is now within reach." A dream with golden contours, proud lines and African roots. A trophy designed to last, to inspire, to become a desire. A desire to brandish it, to include it in their legacy, to offer it to their nations. Present and radiant, Cameroonian striker Ajara Njoya did not mince her words. "It is an evolution. The vision CAF is bringing to us today is excellent for Women's Football. It opens a lot. I remember when I started out; there was a lot of resistance around me. Today, parents are pushing their daughters to play football." Attitudes are changing. The trophy, in its symbolism, embodies this change. It is both recognition of pioneers and a call to newcomers. Those who dream, with the ball at their feet, of trophies and flags raised. A trophy designed to last The deliberately modern design combines simplicity and power. It reveals a desire to break new ground without going away from heritage. The curves recall momentum - a collective movement. The gold touch evokes excellence. The whole concept exudes an almost regal solemnity, as if Africa is finally saying to its queens: "You deserve your rightful place." Lamia Boumehdi, coach of TP Mazembe and the first African coach to win the CAF Women's Champions League, also welcomed the evolution. "This trophy is not just a cup. It is a symbol. A recognition." It is also a burden, a responsibility. We shall have to rise to the occasion." TotalEnergies: A partner that believes in the female spirit Abdesslam Rhnimi, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Morocco, made no secret of his pride: "This trophy is also the result of a lasting commitment. At TotalEnergies, we believe in the transformative power of Women's Football. We want to support this momentum, in Morocco and throughout Africa." This partnership is part of a long-term investment approach. It goes beyond the visibility of a logo. It is about building, with CAF, a competition worthy of African ambitions. To make it a continental showcase, a platform for both sporting and social expression.
CAF
25-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Dlamini lauds CAF's Protect The Dream programme and fight against fake player agents
Young African players falling victim to prowling fake player agents will soon be history. These were the sentiments shared by CAF Legend, Amanda Dlamini on Thursday, 24 April when speaking to CAFOnline on the sidelines of the ongoing CAF African Schools Football Championship Ghana 2025 in Accra. Dlamini is amongst a host of legends that are playing a mentorship and support role at the four-day competition involving eight nations in both the boys and girls' divisions of the competition currently underway between 23 – 26 April. As part of its holistic approach to youth football development, CAF has been rolling out a series of workshops at the finals that are designed to educate players on various off the field matters, to ensure that their talent is supported by education. Part of the programmes running parallel to the football action include the Protect The Dream campaign which is supported by CAF's partnership with FIFPro. Through the partnership, young African players are guided on various ways of identifying fake player agents who prey on African players' ambitions of playing professional football. 'I think CAF has really taken a giant step with this important initiative. We come from Africa, very disadvantaged, some of us, also are girls who could fall into the danger. So, you could be very desperate for a contract and be taken advantage of. You could get swept away, and you make some of these mistakes. So, I'm glad CAF emphasizes double-checking, triple-checking, if you have to, and where you can report these fake agents', said the Dlamini. The former Banyana Banyana skipper heaped praise on CAF's invitation of former players who also shared their experiences of encountering fake player agents while in their youth. 'Speaking with some of these legends, they made some of these mistakes. I, too, when I graduated in the United States, thought it was a good contract. And when I had just signed a two-year contract, I had to pay for my own food, my own accommodations. I think hearing these stories, they're not stories that are isolated when you hear from people who are in front of them. I think for CAF to bring us such legends, to be part of the program, they'll understand that these are real-life instances, and they must be careful at all times', she concluded. CAF's "Protect the Dream" programme is a dedicated initiative aimed at safeguarding African football players' careers, health, and well-being. Launched in 2023 under the the CAF Safeguarding programme, it seeks to address the holistic needs of players at all career stages, from emerging talents to retired legends through providing resources and support to ensure safe and fulfilling careers in football.
CAF
24-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
SuperSport to broadcast live CAF African Schools Football Championship in Ghana this week
Published: Thursday, 24 April 2025 The Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF') (CAF) and SuperSport have reached an agreement that will see SuperSport broadcasting the CAF African Schools Football Championship, Ghana 2025 Continental Finals that are to be played from 23-26 April, 2025. Following the finalisation of the agreement, the games will be broadcast in high definition on SuperSport on DStv, the SuperSport Schools App, SABC+ App and CAF's YouTube channel, CAF TV. A total of 16 teams – eight each in the Boys' and Girls' Under-15 category – will compete for the coveted trophy in the third edition of the competition that was launched in 2022 by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and boosted by a USD 10-million donation from the Motsepe Foundation. Hosts Ghana will have to navigate their way past Uganda, South Africa and Algeria in Group A of the Boys' competition, while Group B headlined by defending champions Tanzania, who will face strong competition from Senegal, debutants Cote d'Ivoire and DR Congo. In the Girls' competition, hosts Ghana headline Group A where they will be against Morocco, Benin and Malawi. Champions South Africa begin their title defence in Group B where they face Uganda, DR Congo and The Gambia. There is a first prize of USD 300,000 for the continental champions in both the Boys and Girls competitions, while the runners-up receive USD 200,000 and third-place USD 150,000. This prize money is used for legacy projects in schools, including renovations, building libraries, infrastructure development and other community-related developments. Former Banyana Banyana captain and SuperSport analyst Amanda Dlamini joins the event as one of the ambassadors and mentors. Other ambassadors and mentors include Abedi Pele (Ghana), Robert Kadiaba (DRC), Kareem Haggui (Tunisia), Adjoa Bayor (Ghana) and Clementine Toure (Cote d'Ivoire). The CAF African Schools Football Championship is a development project founded on the need to create and sustain a continentally competitive schools football competition that encourages young Africans to stay in school and play football. Since its inception three years ago, almost 2-million Boys and Girls from across the continent have played in the competition at either national, zonal or continental level. For more on the CAF African Schools Football Championship, visit Further Enquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
