Anele Mzobe: Teen Makes Banyana Banyana Debut at Just 13 Years Old

• Anele Mzobe made her debut for Banyana Banyana in a friendly game against Botswana at the Tsakane Stadium
• The 13-year-old was selected by the South African Football Association as part of a makeshift national team
• Banyana Banyana boycotted their send-off game against Botswana over unresolved grievances they had with SAFA

There was a silver lining to Banyana Banyana’s recent stand-off against the South African Football Association.

SAFA replaced the national team with a makeshift side to take on Botswana after the original team threatened to boycott the fixture.

With the team being hastily put together, many fringe players were allowed to shine. As noted by Goal, that also allowed 13-year-old Anele Mzobe to make her debut for the national team.

The youngster played left-back for the team as SAFA sought to honour the fixture against Botswana and avoid further embarrassment.

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Football

As noted by Kick Off, the makeshift side was thrashed 5-0 by their opponents but did show a lot of heart.

Coach, Desiree Ellis, praised the side after the defeat, noting how they were thrown together to play. She also spoke about Mzobe making her debut at just 13.

Banyana stars initially denied entry

The standoff between Banyana Banyana and the South Africa Football Association continues, with neither appearing eager to budge.

The women’s national team were due to play Botswana in their send-off game before the FIFA World Cup but were replaced by a side put together by SAFA after they threatened to boycott the fixture.

With the makeshift side losing 4-0 at half-time, Banyana were initially denied access to the venue after finally arriving at the ground, Sports Brief reported.

Banyana sent home by SAFA

South African football has been rocked by more drama, Sports Brief also reported. SAFA sent the women’s national team home after they refused to play their send-off match ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Banyana players threatened to boycott the game, reportedly because of the condition of the pitch at the stadium and fears over players being injured, wanting a more suitable venue for their final fixture.