The Makoala family and Orange Farm residents beam with pride as Drieziek 4’s soccer player Dineo ‘Dinho’ Makoala (14) brings back a CAF medal.
Dinho, who plays for Future Ladies FC from Orange Farm in the Sasol Joburg league, was selected to play for the South Africa U15 girls team last year after being spotted by technical teams during play-offs in Pretoria.
The Thetha Secondary Grade 8 alumni brought the continental silverware home. Dinho dreams of playing for La Liga club Real Madrid. As a midfielder, she looks up to Jude Victor William Bellingham.
She told Orange Farm News that being part of the team that triumphed at the CAF African Schools Football Championship in Zanzibar is an honor for her. The team, coached by Ntombifuthi Khumalo, beat Morocco 5-4 on penalties at a packed Amaan Stadium after the final ended in a 1-1 draw.
The shy and soft-spoken Dinho said: “I’m very happy to be part of the national team. I would like to thank my family, Thetha Secondary and my coach for their support, encouragement and belief in me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for their support. I’m truly grateful.”
Dinho’s mother, Mpina Makoala, a former soccer player herself, said: “I’m proud of Dineo. She’s destined for bigger things. Her talent and passion will take her very far. Seeing her winning with the national team fills my heart with joy. She loves soccer wholeheartedly and I fully support her. I wish her all the best and pray that God protects her all the time.”
Proud coach Gift Khoza added: “Dinho is a passionate, talented, skillful player who is easy to work with. She is brave, hardworking and loves challenges. She’s got everything in her to succeed. I’m proud of her. At 14 years old, she’s playing for our first team, which shows the type of player she is”.
