INTERVIEW WITH MANANA MYEKI

Manana Myeki, a Blue Bird Lady original, previously had the honor of representing the country in the under 17 National Football team for the 2020 FIFA women’s cup qualifier. The Blue Birds Ladies organization was thrilled to have had one of their players been chosen for the National team. Manana Myeki is a simple local girl from Alexandra Township who values playing Football. She started playing Football ever since she was young with the hopes of one day making it to the National team.

Manana Myeki made time for us to interview her about her football journey. Her story is truly inspirational.

1). How did it feel to have represented your country?

“Representing the country felt really good, achieving my short-term goal at a very young age was quite a moment for me…still is. I am proud of myself that I never gave up on Football. I have invested a lot in football, the training and the emotions that I have put in is not something that I developed overnight.”

2). What made you fall in love with Football?

‘’well, my mother being a football coach had a lot of influence in me wanting to pursue a career in Soccer. I remember wanting to go with her to every soccer game she went to because it was that important for me to be there and take the hype that is all around a game of soccer. My brother is also one of the reasons I got involved so much with soccer. On weekends (because most of his games were on weekends) I would literally cry my eyes out so that he can take me with him to his soccer games.”

3). How does playing Football make you feel? And why did you choose Football?

‘’playing soccer makes me feel at peace with myself and whatever that surrounds me, it is like everything is oblivious and it is just me with this beautiful game. Playing soccer is close to my heart, I do not know how to explain this, but it is just an amazing feeling for me.’’

‘’soccer chose me, I know it is quite a cliché to say but it did. I grew up around soccer, soccer has always been there. With my mother being a soccer coach and my brother being a soccer player like I have mentioned previously. So, there was really no way I could not be involved in soccer as I am now. I guess it is a family thing…we connect through soccer. It is our vibe.’’

4). What are the stereotypes you have faced within your community regarding being a female soccer player?

‘’ a bit of some negative things has been said about me, especially about my sexuality and being into soccer, because some people still have this mentality that soccer is an only male sport.’’

Manana did not get into details with this question as it is a sensitive issue, but she did mention how members of her community have been supportive throughout her Football journey.

5). Is your family supportive in your Football journey?

‘’My family has always been supportive since day one. My mother being the one who has been playing a huge role in my life, has been by side in every step and decision that I had to make or take, her support is endless and honestly she is one of the reasons I keep pushing.’’

 6). How have you been keeping fit during the lock down in the country?

‘’Ever since the lock down restrictions have been lifted to level 4, I have been jogging around the streets of Alex almost every day, if I do not go jogging I do some other body exercises at home, sometimes with my mother or brother.’’

7). Where do you see yourself in the long run within this Football industry?

‘’I have always wanted to be a pilot who owns a stadium and playing for the National team, Banyana Banyana. It sounds insane and some might say unattainable too, but it is my dream and I will work hard to make it a reality.’’

8). Who is your role model?

‘’My brother, Lunga Ngalonkulu. He always motivates me, he is one of the people in my life I know I can count on, he is always honest with me in everything I do or ask him. He is truly my super brother.’’

9). What is your advice to the young women like yourself who are just starting out in their Football journey?

‘’Be hungry for your dreams, be a lion with what you want in life and never give up. You must push yourself and you will achieve your goals.’’

Story By _Tumisang Leboa