Nelisiwe Gamede made it to the u/17 Safa national ladies team (Abantwana). She is the only girl from Mpumalanga Province who qualified to play in the national team.

Nelisiwe who is a Grade 11 learner at Chief Ampie Mayisa, started her football career at the age of 7 and played for both Mkhonza FC and Leandra Ladies Team.

Mr Elvis Phora who is the Chairman and founder of Leandra Ladies Team said Nelisiwe was always focused and disciplined.

Nelisiwe managed to register three goals so far, at the Cosafa Championship in Mauritius. When asked what happens to her studies since she is out of the country? Mr Phora said the girls left with their books and they get lots of support from their respective schools.

“Leandra has got lot of talented young people, but the talent is sometimes overlooked because of the area in which we live in, that is full of poverty and is underdeveloped also,” Mr Phora added.

He further mentioned that ladies soccer is not taken serious by both Safa and the media, including our government.

Businesses and individuals who are interested in supporting Leandra Ladies Soccer FC can contact Mr Phora at 072 253 2466.