Fikile Magama. Image: UWC

Fikile Magama, captain of UWC Ladies FC and one of Banyana Banyana’s standout performers at the recent Women’s African Cup of Nations, traces her football journey back to the streets of Gugulethu, where she first kicked a ball with neighbourhood boys at just seven years old.

Her love for the beautiful game was cemented in her family’s living room, watching football on Saturday afternoons with her uncles, later joining them whenever they would play a casual game in the streets.

“I attended Nomlinganiselo Primary School (in New Crossroads) and started playing (organised) football there, starting with seven-a-side. Coach Xolile Madikane saw me playing there,” said Magama.

She would change schools to Lwazi Primary in Gugulethu, a bit farther away from her home in New Crossroads, where Madikane is a teacher and also the coach of Cape Town Roses, which she joined.

“From playing for Roses, I went to Dangerous Heroes FC, and then I started playing for the national Under-17s “Abantwana” (The Kids). Subsequently I started playing for the Dangerous Heroes Under-20 team, coached by Bayanda Skiti,” said Magama.

Now in her third year of a Sports Science degree at UWC, Magama says striking a balance between professional football, Banyana Banyana duties and her studies has been hard. From early mornings to late nights, time management has become an acquired skill. 

UWC Ladies FC coach Thinasonke Mbuli spotted Magama while she was playing for Dangerous Heroes and then invited her to train with the football team. Because some of her friends were already playing for the University’s ladies’ football team, there was not much of a culture shock.

“I first trained with UWC Ladies in 2019 and then started to play for them. For my first match, I didn’t start; I was on the bench, but I wanted to be on the field.

“I was so angry with myself that I was on the bench, but my previous coach was here, watching, and I was hunched down. I didn’t want him to see me, but after the game, he gave me words of encouragement, telling me it was my first game and not to worry,” said Magama.

Having lost a few players, she says UWC Ladies FC are rebuilding. The team is currently 10th on the log in the 16-team league after a 1-0 victory on Sunday against First Touch Ladies FC.

“It’s tough, but I think we’re getting there. I just think we need that one win which will boost us,” said Magama.