Banyana keeper Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini says World Cup experience helped her improve.Image: Mamelodi Sundowns website
“WC experience was pivotal to my evolution”, says Banyana keeper
Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini started two of the three matches when Banyana Banyana made their World Cup debut back in 2019.
Banyana keeper Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini says World Cup experience helped her improve.Image: Mamelodi Sundowns website
Banayana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini credits the FIFA World Cup in 2019 for her evolution as a player
Dlamini is one of the six Sundowns Ladies who made the final 23-woman squad of Banyana Banyana.
The team will be participating in this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup which starts in just under a week in Australia and New Zealand.
Dlamini looking forward to her second World Cup with Banyana
Sticks started two matches when South Africa made its debut in 2019.
“The experience of playing at the FIFA World Cup in 2019 had a profound impact on me as a player. It allowed me to see football from a different perspective and gain a fresh understanding of the game.
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“The intensity and magnitude of the tournament helped me appreciate the emotions that come with competing at such a high level. It reminded me that, ultimately, we are all human beings and the pressure and passion of the game can evoke powerful emotions,” said the Banyana keeper.
The reigning African champions find themselves in Group G, where they will face formidable opponents such as Sweden, Argentina and Italy.
Dlamini believes that this group presents an exciting challenge for the team.
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“While we acknowledge the experience gained four years ago, this year’s edition presents a different kind of challenge. There are different hosting countries this time around and the teams in our group are also different. We understand that each tournament has its challenges and opportunities and we are prepared to adapt and overcome whatever obstacles come our way.
“Our commitment to success remains unwavering and we are ready to give our all in pursuit of our goals,” Sticks added.
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On her favorite World Cup hero who has inspired her the most is former American goalkeeper Hope Solo.
“Her exceptional skills as a goalkeeper and her ability to command the game was truly remarkable. She demonstrated great resilience and determination, consistently performing at the highest level. Solo’s impact on women’s football and her achievements on the World Cup stage has left a lasting impression on me.”
