It seems there is just no stopping Regirl Ngobeni.
It’s only three months into 2022 but she is on top of the world – on and off the field.
Fresh from being named the Goalkeeper of the Season at the inaugural women’s football awards in the Hollywoodbets Super League, the University of the Western Cape (UWC Ladies) player continued on an upward trajectory when she graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree in standard time.
She had to maintain a good balance and discipline between her books and the game she loves – something that many players have failed to do.
“It’s never been an issue for me (to balance sport with academics) as I have always been a top performer in class while playing soccer,” Ngobeni told the UWC website.
“I’m presented with new challenges every day, but I always find ways to deal with them. I won’t lose focus when it comes to balancing my education and soccer responsibilities.”
Ngobeni was a key figure in the institution’s third place finish in the league, and led them to being in the top 10 of the best women’s teams on the African continent.
She kept 14 clean sheets in 2021.
Riri has represented her country at both U17 and U20 levels, leading to her first Banyana Banyana call up last year.
She is delighted that despite all the national team and club assignments, she eventually saw through her studies.
“I have been waiting for this moment, and it finally came. I’m so proud of myself for the things that I have achieved so far. Everything is going so well for me and I’m very happy about it. I’m here because of football, and all my achievements are because of football,” she said.
By Matlhomola Morake
