Standing Tall for Women’s Football
Andile Dlamini Professional Footballer Banyana Banyana Goalkeeper Founder at Andile Dlamini Foundation
Andile Dlamini’s journey reflects more than excellence on the pitch, it speaks to resilience, national pride, and the quiet power of representation. Through football, she has become both a guardian of the goalposts and a role model for a new generation of African girls daring to dream.
Sawubona. I’m Andile Dlamini, a professional footballer and goalkeeper for both Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns. I was born on 2 September 1992 in South Africa, and I have grown up deeply rooted in my African identity and cultural heritage.
Being South African has shaped how I see the world. I am isiZulu-speaking, and language has always been a powerful way for me to connect with my community. Growing up, culture was lived, not explained.
Family gatherings were filled with stories, laughter, traditional foods like umngqusho, and music that kept us dancing for hours. From my parents, I inherited values that continue to guide me today: discipline, humility, hard work, and teamwork.
Ubuntu is a philosophy I carry with me in everything I do. It reminds me that success is never just about individual achievement, but about how we uplift and support one another. My ancestors’ stories of resilience and struggle for equality inspire me to work hard and to give back to the community that shaped me.
Football has been part of my life from a young age. I started playing early, and my talent for goalkeeping was soon recognised through local clubs and school teams. Those early years taught me the importance of discipline, communication, adaptability, and trust, lessons that continue to shape my professional career.
I was inspired by legendary South African goalkeepers like Itumeleng Khune and motivated by a deep desire to represent my country and my community.
That dream became a reality when I joined Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s top clubs, and later earned the honour of representing South Africa with Banyana Banyana on international stages.
“Injuries tested me physically and mentally, but they taught me resilience and adaptability.”
Education and learning have remained important to me throughout my career. I attended local schools that supported both my academic and sporting development. While football has been my primary focus, I believe strongly in continuous self-improvement.
I hold a Netherlands Intro Coaching Certificate, a CAF C Licence, and I am currently studying a goalkeeping training certificate online. Staying informed and growing beyond the pitch matters to me.
Some of my most meaningful career milestones include representing South Africa in international tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the Olympic Games, joining Mamelodi Sundowns, and taking on leadership roles within my teams.
A defining moment was winning the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s first-ever title in the competition. I have also won the CAF Women’s Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 and 2023, and was honoured as Goalkeeper of the Tournament at WAFCON 2022.
Beyond trophies, I am proud of the impact I have been able to make off the field. Through my platform, I mentor and inspire young girls who are passionate about football, promote women’s football, and participate in community outreach initiatives aimed at empowerment, education, and development.
Andile Dlamini of South Africa during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Senegal at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco on 19 July 2025 ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
My journey has not been without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was recovering from serious injury, a period that tested me both physically and mentally. With the support of medical professionals, my family, friends, and teammates, I stayed focused, adapted my training, and returned to the field stronger and more determined.
That experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of mental toughness.
My leadership philosophy is — hard work, dedication, and perseverance matter, but the positive impact you have on others is what truly defines your legacy.
A major turning point in my life came when I made the decision to fully commit to becoming a professional footballer. Believing in myself, taking calculated risks, and staying disciplined opened doors I once only dreamed about. That decision changed the course of my life.
If I were to describe my career legacy, it would be this: using football as a platform to inspire, empower, and uplift, especially young girls and women. I want to be remembered not only for my goalkeeping skills, but for my leadership, integrity, and commitment to creating opportunities for others.
I am deeply grateful to my coaches, senior players, teammates, family, and friends who have supported me throughout my journey. Their belief in me shaped my values and leadership style, and taught me the importance of paying it forward.
Looking ahead, my vision is to continue promoting women’s football, developing young talent, giving back to my community, and empowering future generations.
I want to leave a legacy that opens doors, changes perceptions, and inspires others to pursue their purpose with courage and pride.
