Lebogang Ramalepe, who impressed in the 2019 FIFA World Cup held in France, is once again resolute in her determination to create a lasting impression at the forthcoming 2023 edition, scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand.
The Limpopo-born player is one of the six Mamelodi Sundowns players who will represent South Africa at the global showpiece, which will take place from July 20 to August 20, 2023.
At the 2019 tournament, Ramalepe started all three group games against Spain, China and Germany and was often hailed for her turbo-charged performances. The energetic full-back reflects on some of her most exciting moments from four years ago.
“Despite our early exit from the group stage, we took pride in our strong showing and the positive impact we made. One particular highlight that truly stood out for me was being recognized as the player who achieved one of the highest successful tackle rates during the group stage. Beyond the football aspect, I also had the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Paris and visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Though our journey ended sooner than we had hoped, the memories and experiences will stay with me forever,” Lebogang stated.
The 31-year-old fullback joined Sundowns earlier this year from Belarus, where she won eight trophies. Since making the switch, she has made a strong impression in the Hollywoodbets Super League for the Brazilians. She hammered a brace in the 6-1 win over Durban Ladies and scored a beauty when Banyana Ba Style trounced First Touch 8-1.
The defender will be hoping that her extensive wealth of experience will benefit the team Down Under.
“I am truly humbled by the privilege of once again representing my country on the global stage, as the World Cup is a platform where dreams are realized. With the invaluable experience gained from my previous World Cup participation, I am confident that this upcoming tournament will provide an opportunity to rectify any past shortcomings. My personal goal is to make a significant contribution to the team’s success and overall performance, working tirelessly alongside my teammates to achieve our collective objectives,” said the Sundowns defender.
Banyana Banyana finds themselves in Group G, alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina, and Ramalepe is eagerly looking forward to the start of the tournament.
“I am eagerly anticipating our first game against Sweden and I am filled with excitement to witness the passionate support of the fans in the stadium. With their unwavering support, I am confident that we will be prepared to overcome any challenges we may face. We have been working hard to prepare for this moment, both physically and mentally, and we are determined to showcase our best performance when the tournament begins,” Lebogang concluded.
An avid crosser of the ball and a dynamic presence down the flanks, Lebogang Ramalepe will be one to watch out for in Australia and New Zealand.
