JVW teenage sensation Bonolo Mokoma grateful for national team call-up

The 17-year-old is part of coach Desiree Ellis’ 24-player squad to host the two Cosafa teams in international friendlies from 28 May.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mokoma says she can’t wait to don the green and gold as the national team continues with preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup Nations title defence.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited about the call-up. It is something I think I have worked so hard for and now I have the chance to represent my country. Wearing the green and gold again will mean the world to me and I can’t wait to make my family proud,’’ said Mokoma.

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Banyana Banyana will assemble for camp on Sunday, and Mokoma says she looks for forward to feeding from some of the best players on the continent during camp.

“I want to grow as a player and I know that to be surrounded by some of the top players in Africa will help challenge me in the best way. I look forward to learning a lot of them,’’ added Mokoma.

Mokoma adds that her role models are Mamelodi Sundowns star defender Bambanani Mbane, Banyana vice-captain and Thembi Kgatlana, she says she wants to absorb as much knowledge from them on and off the field.

“I have always looked up to Bambanani, Thembi and Hilda. I like how they carry themselves here at home and at an international level. I want to absorb as much knowledge from them on and off the field,’’ said Makoma.

Mokoma is one of the top goalscorers in the Hollywoodbets Super League with five goals, alongside TS Galaxy’s Nicole Michaels and Sundowns’ Boitumelo Rabale. She credits teamwork and support from the technical team for her outstanding contribution in the first quarter of the league.

“To be honest, it feels amazing to be the league's top goalscorer but I know it is the result of teamwork and the support I get from the technical team,’’ she expressed.