Dazel Mkhari won her first gold medal with the South African girls’ under 15 national team at the CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA qualifier held in Walvis Bay, Namibia, on Sunday.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Dazel Mkhari, a student from Makhanya Junior Secondary School in Nwamitwa village, has proudly won her first gold medal with the South African girls’ under 15 national team at the CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA qualifier held in Walvis Bay, Namibia, on Sunday.
Both the South African under-15 boys’ and girls’ teams made the country proud by clinching victory in their respective divisions.
In the final, the girls showcased their talent by defeating Malawi with a convincing 3-1 scoreline, while the boys faced a tougher opponent in Zambia, triumphing 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw during regular time. Dazel, hailing from Mandlakazi in Nwamitwa village, played a crucial role in her team’s success, netting two goals in their remarkable 10-0 victory over Lesotho in the opening match.
Her coach at Sisters FC, Monica Mathonsi, shared her excitement about Dazel’s achievement and the national team’s overall success. She stated, “Dazel’s performance inspires me to nurture more players, despite the challenges of limited support and sponsorship. It shows that talented young athletes can have opportunities to represent their national teams without the need for dishonest practices.”
Dazel’s remarkable skills first caught the nation’s attention in 2021 during the Engen National Under-20 Tournament held in Markspark, Johannesburg, where she stood out as the youngest competitor. The South African teams returned home on Tuesday, and Dazel received a warm welcome on Wednesday. Dazel’s journey continues to inspire many.