Banyana Banyana midfielder Wendy Shongwe is living her dream
University of Pretoria midfielder Wendy Shongwe is living her dream after making her return to the Banyana Banyana setup recently.
The 20-year-old from Springs, in the east of Johannesburg, is back in the Banyana squad after her impressive performances in the Hollywoodbets Super League this season.
Shongwe initially received her first call up to the national team back in 2021 after a stellar showing for Tuks in the Sasol League Championship.
Her brilliance helped her side Tuks gain promotion to the semi-professional league – the Hollywoodbets Super League – where she continues to show her worth.
And after a brief period out in the cold, Shongwe has managed to work her way back into Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis’ plans.
Shongwe was part of the squad that travelled to Serbia last week for an international friendly match in preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
Banyana lost that match 3-2 with Shongwe an unused substitute.
LIVING THE DREAM
The fact that she is back in the Banyana setup is enough encouragement for Shongwe to continue working hard to earn a spot in the squad that will play at the World Cup.
The two-footed talented midfielder has described it “a dream come true” to be part of the team and will be pushing to ensure she’s on the plane to Australia and New Zealand.
“I don’t know what to say. But what I can say is it’s a great feeling [to be back here] And having to be part of the team and make the final 23 [squad for the friendly against Serbia] is like a great thing and a dream come true,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to making more history for myself and the national team.”
Shongwe, a Tuks PhD Horticulture student , has had to make a lot of sacrifices to balance her studies and football career.
The 2021 FNB Varsity Football Player of the Tournament, however, is happy to see that all of her hard work and sacrifices are now paying dividends.
WENDY SHONGWE’S SACRIFICES TO REACH HER DREAMS
“I had to wake up in the morning and join the boys at my club and train with them,” she added.
“I am at school right now, so another sacrifice I had to make was to send letters to lecturers that I won’t be available for classes because I have camps.”
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