Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Refilwe Maseko sets sights on Banyana Banyana return

Kaizer Chiefs Ladies midfielder Refilwe Maseko says returning to the South Africa women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, is one of her main ambitions after making her international debut at the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Maseko joined Kaizer Chiefs in July and has made two appearances for the SAFA Gauteng Provincial Women’s League side, scoring once. Her contribution has helped the Glamour Girls remain top of the table, with 46 points from 20 matches during their first season in the semi-professional ranks.

The 21-year-old previously captained the University of Johannesburg and has represented South Africa at junior level. She has also won two senior caps for Banyana Banyana, both coming during the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Maseko was part of a joint online press conference involving Kaizer Chiefs and German club Arminia Bielefeld, where she spoke about her international ambitions and reflected on the lessons gained from her previous involvement with the national team.

Asked by iDiski Times whether she was hoping to return to Banyana Banyana, Maseko said: “Oh, definitely,”

“I think, like the other players said now playing for the national team is a privilege. It is a goal I think every player should have to represent the country out there. So yes, I am looking for the return back to the squad.

“My first time I think I was 17, I played U20 World Cup qualifiers and in 2022 I played in the Banyana COSAFA team. I think we played Zambia in that final unfortunately, we lost, but it was a wonderful experience.

“It was a different kind of platform playing against all African players. They’re very strong, very physical. It’s a different ball game compared to maybe the league that we play here. So, I actually learned a lot.

“And also playing in the COSAFA team also helps you know new players and network in terms of understanding football, the type of football played out there, and that there’s space to learn more than just what you see in your own country.”

Maseko’s two senior international appearances came in South Africa’s run to the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship final, where they faced Zambia. South Africa were beaten in the final, but the experience gave the midfielder an opportunity to test herself against some of the continent’s strongest players.

She said the physical demands and different styles of play at international level had broadened her understanding of the game. The tournament also enabled her to build relationships with players from elsewhere and gain a clearer view of the opportunities available beyond domestic football.

At club level, Maseko is now focused on helping Kaizer Chiefs Ladies maintain their position at the top of the league. Her move to the Glamour Girls represents the latest stage of a career that has already included junior international football, a University of Johannesburg captaincy and senior appearances for Banyana Banyana.

The iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is available free of charge. Readers can download it or complete the publication’s online form to receive it each week.