Andile Dlamini, born on September 2, 1992, in Tembisa, South Africa, is a prominent South African goalkeeper known for her leadership and outstanding performances in women’s football. She began her football journey playing various positions, including defender and striker, before specializing as a goalkeeper.
Education and Early Career:
While specific details about her formal education are not widely documented, Dlamini’s football career took a professional turn after she competed against the South Africa women’s national under-20 team, which led to her selection for the national youth squad. She initially played for Phomolong Ladies before joining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in 2010, where she has since been a key player.
Club Career Highlights:
At Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Dlamini has enjoyed significant success:
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Joined in 2010 and has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for many years.
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Won the SAFA Women’s League titles consecutively from 2020 to 2023.
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Played a crucial role in winning the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021 and again in 2023, earning Best Goalkeeper awards and inclusion in the Team of the Tournament both years.
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Helped her team secure the COSAFA Women’s Champions League titles in 2021 and 2023, with a runner-up finish in 2022, also earning individual accolades as Best Goalkeeper.
International Career:
Dlamini made her senior debut for the South Africa women’s national team in 2011 against Botswana and has since earned over 69 caps. She was part of the squads for the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics but did not play in the tournaments. Initially a reserve goalkeeper behind players like Thokozile Mndaweni and Roxanne Barker, her status improved under coach Desiree Ellis, who took over the national team and gave her more opportunities.
She has been instrumental in South Africa’s recent successes, including:
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Winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2022 and being named in the Team of the Tournament.
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Serving as a vocal leader during the 2023 bonus dispute with the South African Football Association (SAFA), which highlighted her commitment to the team and advocacy for players’ rights.
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Playing a key role in the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco, where her performances have been critical in South Africa’s campaign to defend their title, including clean sheets against Ghana and Mali.
Recent Developments and Public Recognition:
Dlamini has been at the center of both praise and controversy during WAFCON 2025. Her benching in the match against Tanzania sparked debate among fans and pundits, reflecting ongoing tensions related to team selection and management decisions. Despite this, she remains celebrated as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers and a respected leader on and off the pitch.
Her personal life reflects her strong Christian faith, which she credits for helping her prepare mentally for matches. Over the years, she has received numerous individual honors, including:
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Gauteng Sports Personality of the Year (2022)
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Momentum Athlete of the Year (2023)
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Feather Awards Sports Personality of the Year (2023)
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Inclusion in the IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Year (2022) and Women’s Africa XI (2023).
In summary, Andile Dlamini’s career trajectory shows a dedicated athlete who rose from local clubs to international prominence through consistent performances, leadership, and resilience. Her education in football has been shaped primarily through her playing experience and mentorship within South African football structures rather than formal academic credentials. She continues to be a pivotal figure for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team as they compete at the highest levels in African women’s football.
