allAfrica.com: Botswana: Double Action Hotshot (Page 1 of 1)

"I was born a footballer, that is why I am enjoying it," says Double Action and national Under-20 women team striker, Thuto Ramafifi. In the Women's League, Ramafifi has made scoring look simple. The Thamaga girl has beaten goalkeepers 33 times.

While women's football is not yet taken seriously, the exploits of Ramafifi are enough to attract spectators to the grounds. At Ledumang Senior Secondary School in Gaborone, she is regarded as a 'celebrity'. Her contribution to the school's women football team has not gone unnoticed. In an interview with Mmegi Sport yesterday, Ramafifi said that she fell in love with football after watching her aunt playing the game four years ago. "Since I was a great fan of football, it was not difficult for me to join. I started playing football when I was doing Form One at Motswedi CJSS," she said.

Her first club was Real Touch but soon, she was promoted to Double Action. "The coaches realised that I was good and they decided that I join Double Action. Since then, I have been enjoying my game. I do not feel intimidated because there is support from my teammates," she said with a smile. This season, Ramafifi has been on fire together with her strike partner Neo Masimola at Double Action and national Under-20. She says that she enjoys playing with Masimola because they have a good understanding. Ramafifi's exploits at Double Action has made her the target of many opponents during games. But this does not worry her because when she is closely marked, she can create goals for other teammates. "It is all about team work," she said. She is worried that though they are trying their best, the women league need sponsorship to succeed. "We need sponsors to come forward. This will motivate teams to do well and the league will be more competitive. At times, teams cannot afford money for transport especially for away trips," she said. In their recent game against Lesotho in the qualifiers for the Under-20 World Cup, a handful of supporters came to the stadium hoping to see Ramafifi score spectacular goals. But it was never to be as Lebogang Setereke stole the limelight. "I was closely marked during the return leg because they knew I was dangerous. That is why I changed positions and I was able to create goals," she said. The Form-Five student is confident that they will give their best when they face Ghana in the second round.

Double Action coach Agreement Podi said that Ramafifi is a disciplined player who follows instructions. "She also has a big heart and a bright future. The other thing which makes me love her is her skill," said Podi. The tactician said that they are trying their best to protect players like Ramafifi from things that can ruin their playing careers and future.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) senior technical officer, Tshepo Mphukuthi said that Ramafifi is talented but she should guard against complacency and media attention. "She should not get excited and lose focus in her game," said the BFA official.

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