Lebogang Ramalepe reflects on lonely time while injured in Belarus

Ramelepe, who helped Limpopo-based Ma-Indies achieve promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2020, spent three fruitful years with Belarusian team FC Dinamo Minsk until an injury caused contractual disagreements. 

In March this year, the Banyana Banyana right-back found refuge in Jerry Tshabalala's all-conquering team, and told SABC Sport that prior to Sundowns’ call, she retreated into a dark and lonely place. 

"It was hard", she revelaed.

"I remember, the first two months of injury, it was hard for me to cope. I nearly terminated the contract and wanted to come home, but I was like 'You know what it's just two months to go [before the league is over], let me just hang in there and push till the contract ends.'"

Armed with that fighting spirit, Ramapele though did not bank on being the only one in her corner. 

"I think lack of support because what happened to me did not require surgery, but they [the club] wanted to force me to have surgery." 

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winner reveals overseas offers fell through because of her injury struggles, while Tshabalala was willing to look past it. 

"Before I left for Belarus, Sundonws [Ladies] coach was in contact with me. Telling me how much he wanted me to play for his team. Even during the time I was injured, he was engaging with me [saying] 'Just come home, we'll take care of you'. 

"And in January there were offers in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China, but then when I told them about my injury no one wanted to sign, but Sundonws said 'Come, even with your injury, we will help you.'" 

The 31-year-old is in Desiree Ellis' 23-woman squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.  

Even though she expects to get overseas offers, she will remain at Sundowns until the end of the 2023 season.

"It's a matter of letting me find myself, have a good season now, and make sure by the end of this season, maybe I would have attracted two or three teams. I can't wait to go back overseas end of the season.

"I think there's no rush, and I want to play well in Hollywoodbets [Super League] because it's been a dream. I've wanted to play in this league, I remember in 2019, playing with Ma-Indies, gaining promotion and in 2020 I had a contract in Belarus.

"I never got a chance to play in Hollywoodbets Super League, but let me finish this year and see what the future holds."