South African football stalwart Lebohang Ramalepe marked her milestone hundredth international appearance on Tuesday amidst the backdrop of Olympic heartbreak. Despite the bitter outcome of the match, Ramalepe’s enduring dedication and contribution to women’s football were lauded by fans and teammates alike.
The evening saw Ramalepe take to the field for her landmark hundredth cap as South Africa faced Nigeria in the decisive return leg of the final Olympic qualifying round for the Paris 2024 Games.
Despite her personal achievement, the match ended in a stalemate (0-0), sealing the fate of the Banyana Banyana’s Olympic aspirations following a 1-0 defeat in Abuja.
While the outcome may have cast a shadow over the occasion, Ramalepe’s unwavering commitment and resilience shone through as she was presented with her commemorative 100 caps jersey by the South African Football Federation in a touching post-match ceremony.
The gesture was accompanied by an outpouring of support and affection from fans, as messages of appreciation flooded social media platforms.
“We love you Lebo!” proclaimed the SAFA Twitter account, encapsulating the sentiments of a nation grateful for Ramalepe’s enduring contribution to the sport.
Surrounded by her teammates, Ramalepe embraced the significance of the moment, reflecting on her journey and the collective efforts that had brought her to this landmark achievement.
Despite the bitter disappointment of Olympic elimination, Ramalepe’s century of appearances stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.
As she continues to inspire future generations of footballers, her legacy will endure as a symbol of perseverance and excellence in South African football.
As the dust settles on a challenging chapter in South Africa’s footballing journey, Ramalepe’s milestone serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us all of the enduring spirit of the beautiful game.
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣CAPS for our Lebohang Ramalepe 🎉
Congratulations Lebo❤️#LiveTheImpossible #NotDoneYet pic.twitter.com/nx8Tianqxh
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) April 9, 2024
