Skip to main content

From Sunflower FC to Mamelodi Sundowns: Meet Asanda Hadebe


In this exclusive Q & A, we dive into the vibrant world of Asanda Hadebe, Mamelodi Sundowns' dynamic new signing from Sunflower FC! As the former captain of her team, Asanda brings not only her impressive football skills but also her leadership prowess to the pitch.


Image: Asanda Hadebe, 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup photoshoot


It's time to peel back the layers to reveal the person behind the athlete. From her early days kicking a ball around in her hometown to the passions and pursuits that drive her off the field, this is your chance to get to know Asanda Hadebe like never before. 


Join us for a fun and engaging journey into the life of Banyana Ba Style’s newest star  as she prepares to join seven of her Sundowns teammates on the national squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Senegal.


Q: Welcome to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, Asanda! What’s been the most exciting part of joining the team so far?


A: Thank you for welcoming me! The most exciting part of joining the team so far has been scoring in my second game, and I'm also thrilled that the team will be participating in the Women's Cup for the first time. I'm happy to be a part of this team and excited to see what the future holds!

Image: Asanda Hadebe training at Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your football journey, and how have they

influenced your career?


A: ⁠My biggest inspiration in my football journey is Kholosa Biyana. We used to play together on the same team at Sunflower FC, and watching her achieve her dreams playing in Spain and the World Cup has been a huge influence on me. It made me believe that I can also make it big and pursue my own football aspirations.


Q: If you weren’t a professional footballer, what career path do you think you would have

pursued?


A: To be honest, I don't know what other career I would have pursued besides being a professional footballer. I started playing football at a very young age, and it's what I love and what I'm good at. Maybe I would have been a soldier, but honestly, I don't know. 


Q: When you’re not on the field, what are some of your favourite hobbies or activities?


A: When I'm not on the field, my favourite activities and hobbies are cooking, playing PlayStation, and dancing which often involves creating TikTok videos. 



Image: Asanda Hadebe training at Mamelodi Sundowns FC


Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions that help you get ready for a big

game?


A: ⁠My pre-game rituals that help me get ready for the game are praying and listening to music. 


Q: If you could have dinner with any footballer, past or present, who would it be and

why?


A: I would have dinner with Kholosa Biyana (teammate) because she’s my biggest inspiration.


Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to young girls who dream of playing

professional football?

 

A: ⁠I would advise the young girls to believe in their dreams and never give up. They must remember that patience is a virtue and not let anything or anyone discourage them, but instead, focus solely on what they love to do.


Image: Asanda Hadebe, 2023 COSAFA Women's Championships.


Q: Can you share a funny or memorable moment from your football career that still

makes you smile?


A: ⁠I think my most memorable moments in my football career are when I laid an assist on my first debut for the national team and when the scouts noticed me during the Engen tournament. 


Q: Outside of football, what’s one thing you’re passionate about that fans might not

Know?


A: ⁠Besides football, I'm passionate about volunteering. I'm involved with a foundation that supports those in need and encourages them to pursue their dreams. I'm also passionate about fashion and sneakers. 


Q: Lastly, if you could play a friendly match against any team in the world, which team would you choose and why?


A: ⁠I would love to play a friendly match against Barcelona. I don't have a specific reason, I just admire their team, which is composed of icons and champions. They're an exceptional squad with a rich history, and it would be an honour to share the pitch with them.


Banyana Banyana Fixtures: Women's International Friendlies

1 June vs Senegal, kick off 19H00, Stade Lat Dior Stadium.

4 June vs Senegal, kick off 19H00, Stade Lat Dior Stadium


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

From Dreams to Reality: Inside the World of TUT Matsatsantsa's Thabiso Senyatsi.

Meet Thabiso Senyatsi, a rising star in South African women's football. At just 20 years old, she has already made a name for herself as a forward for TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies Football Club in the Hollywoodbets Super League.  Thabiso Senyatsi © Gallo Images Known for her incredible goal-scoring ability, Thabiso is one of TUT's leading top goal scorers, and her journey through the ranks of South African football is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days at First Touch Academy to her time at the Limpopo Sport School of Excellence, Thabiso's dedication and passion for the game have propelled her to the forefront of women's football. Get ready to learn more about this dynamic player who is quickly becoming a household name. Can you tell us about your early years? Where did you grow up?  I was always overlooked by my family because of my marks [academics] so what helped me a lot was [playing] soccer along the way. I’m from Moletjie Mabokelele in Polokwane. How did yo

Leading the Charge: Refilwe Maseko Reflects on UJ's Triumph in Hollywoodbets Super League Opener

  As the new Hollywoodbets Super League season kicked off for the 2024 calendar year on Saturday, the University of Johannesburg's women's football team, under the capable leadership of Captain Refilwe Maseko, secured an impressive victory against First Touch Ladies.  In a thrilling match that saw UJ triumph with a 4-1 scoreline, Maseko stood out not only as the captain but also as a key contributor, netting two crucial goals and led her squad with determination. In an exclusive interview with the UJ Women's football captain, we delved into the captain's preparation for the match and her aspirations for the new Hollywoodbets Super League season.  Photocred: UJ Sport/Abuyile Mkumbuzi “As a team we focused on our strengths and how we would use those strengths to our advantage. Coach laid out a ‘blueprint’ on how we should play ideally but obviously we added a bit of individual brilliance according to the positions. ” Expressed the Captain. Maseko continued and shared how

COSAFA Awards: Sandra Mwila Speaks on the judging criteria.

  The inaugural COSAFA Awards are finally upon us and set to debut on Thursday, May 9 in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. One name stands out among the esteemed panel of judges – Sandra Mwila, a trailblazing figure in African football hailing from Zambia. Sandra Mwila, Zambian football Journalist. Sandra Mwila is not only a respected figure in football circles but also holds the distinction of being the sole female judge on the panel. Ahead of the historic event, I had the privilege to sit down with Mwila to delve into her perspective, experiences, and the message she wishes to convey to aspiring females eyeing a career in the football industry. With a distinguished background that includes serving on the La Liga panel of judges, Mwila brings a wealth of expertise and a unique viewpoint to the Cosafa awards panel. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “First and foremost it is humbling to be considered as one of the judges for the inaugural Cosafa awards. I am grateful for the opport