I have made so many great memories while on the national squad and have been to so many amazing places. Recently, we all went on a journey to Cyprus and it was absolutely superb. We went there not really knowing what to expect or what was in store for us, but we had prepared and had a positive attitude to match. The weather was different to SA it is not as hot or as cold in Cyprus, I am not using this as an excuse it just meant that we had to adapt a little.

Gloria and her team in Cyprus

Picture courtesy of PSL

Our first game was against England, where we were beaten by 6 goals to 0. Although it was a loss in terms of points, it was the best game for us as a team. We learnt a lot of lessons, and went straight to the drawing board and discussed how we could improve our game. We never lost our hope and believed that things would turn around and eventually it did when we played our second game against Scotland.

Things looked much better during that game. We played our hearts out and managed to win. It wasn’t an easy game, but we went into the game and the rest of the tournament knowing that we were going to work extra hard and that is what we did. We did lose 3 games in total but we knew that we went to Cyprus to learn more about European football and we did.

We played all of our games with open hearts and just enjoyed ourselves. The Europeans play fast football, they are physically strong and they much more tactically disciplined. What I loved about them was their spirit, level of fitness and discipline. It was really one of the best moments ever. I believe our team could get to this same level if we continue working hard and stay on track.

Hi, I’m Gloria Thato.

I am a 20-year-old varsity student, who lives and breathes for her passion on a daily basis – football. Not only is football my favourite sport, it has let me make amazing memories as a member of South Africa’s national women’s team (hearing I was selected was one of the best moments in my life). Although I love football I still enjoy other activities, such as playing volleyball, watching cricket and reading inspirational books.

I started playing football with my older brother when I was only 9 years old. I used to follow him around in the streets and did whatever he did; I probably annoyed him but I never left his side. Only when I was 12 and he saw me play in a proper match (for a boys team), did he realise that I had potential and he started to understand and support my passion.

At first my family did not approve of my love for this sport, as they thought it was a ‘mans game’ and that no girl should play it. (In the long run I proved this theory wrong.) I didn’t give up on football because I knew that God had chosen this path for me. I never doubted myself or my talents and was too passionate to consider letting go of my dream. With God by my side I knew that anything was possible.

When I was 16, my passion had progressed and had grown stronger by the day that soon enough I was selected for both the national women’s teams, the under 20s and the senior squad. At this point my parents started to recognise that I had a great love for the game and started supporting me. This motivated me and boosted my confidence even more, not only as a player, but as a daughter too. One of the biggest reasons why I’m still on the field and doing my best in the team is because of the support of my family.