When her contract ended with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in July this year, the Tembisa-born Bongiwe Thusi did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity of joining Malabo Kings Ladies FC in Equatorial Guinea.
It is the same team that she scored a penalty against in 2021 in the inaugural edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League.
Her winning penalty saw the Brazilians defeat Malabo Kings 5-4 in the semi-final, and Sundowns Ladies went on to lift the title.
Slender, as she is commonly known to her peers, played for Banyana ba Style for a decade after joining in 2009 while still in high schoool.
As one of the longest-serving members of the club, she won several trophies including the 2013 and 2015 Sasol League National Championships with Sundowns Ladies, as well as the first two editions of the SAFA National Women’s League, now known as the Hollywoodbets Super League – by the time the Brazilians lifted their third league title in a row, Slender had already moved on.
Thusi played a pivotal role when the Chloorkop outfit won the treble last season – the Hollywoodbets Super League, the COSAFA Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League victory.
The attacking midfielder is back in South Africa for the December holidays to refresh and recharge her batteries before returning to the Central African country which uses Spanish, French and Portuguese as official languages.
CentreCircle.online touched base with her to find out how she is coping in Equatorial Guinea and what her plans are as she left abruptly to sign for Malabo Kings, and also if she can add to her two Banyana Banyana caps.
Good to have you back in country, how are things going in Equatorial Guinea?
I did not expect the reception they gave me. They really surprised me with the hospitality and warm welcome they showered me with. I am also very amazed at how professionally the club is run. So, in short, I am good and feeling at home.
How many games have you played? And are you enjoying yourself?
I have played about eight friendly matches and really impressed in those games. Unfortunately in the CAF Women’s Champions League we were knocked out in the semi-finals and our plans of getting to Morocco were cut short. But what is exciting is that I won the love and support of our fans with my display – I have now become one of their favourite players, so yes, I am really enjoying myself.
I see Malabo Kings retained their league title, was it easy or difficult?
Well, they won the league before I signed for them but I must admit that it has kept the spirit high in the team – I like that because I’m from the same environment with Sundowns Ladies.
In your opinion what is the standard of the league – how does it compare to Hollywoodbets Super League?
From what I have seen it’s almost the same with the Hollywoodbets Super League – but in all honesty our African leagues, especially in women’s football, a lot of work is needed if we are to match European standards. But this is not only in women’s football, the same goes for the men too. We have so much talent but also a lot of catching up to do – it is work in progress, so someday we will look back with pride and be excited about how far we have come.
By the way how did your move come about? Why did you leave Sundowns when you were doing so well in the team?
My contract came to an end with Sundowns Ladies and when the opportunity came knocking, I did not hesitate because I am a footballer and I wanted to continue displaying my talents, even if it meant far away from home. And I am glad I made the move.
Are you going back to Equatorial Guinea after the festive break?
Yes of course, and I am looking forward to being back on the field with my club and continue to showcase my capabilities. I am going back early in January as the league kicks off at the end of January or early in February.
Would you advice any of the South Africans playing at home to make a move outside the country, especially to a club like Malabo Kings?
Without a shadow of doubt yes. First of all, I would advise anyone who wants to make a move to do so and challenge themselves – go get the experience of playing away from home and see how much you have grown as a player and an individual. But over and above that, a club like Malabo Kings is run professionally so it will not be disappointing to come here.
And the language? How are you coping?
They speak Spanish and French mainly, but we have a translator as most of the players are foreigners from Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It is also a good time to learn another language, but if that fails, we all know that the football language is the same around the world (lol). But I am learning every day to be conversant in the languages.
What about food, as well as the humid and wet weather?
The food is not that bad because I eat what I mainly know from home. So, on that score I am not worried. As for the weather, it’s hot but it rains most of the time, and we must adapt or you will lose focus on the mission and task at hand. Sacrifice and determination always see us through – you have to remember why you are here.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you travel around, or you just stay indoors?
Most of the time I go to the beach, weather-permitting. But I also support our men’s Basketball team when they playing as they are big on the sport this side.
You seem to have fallen off the radar of the National team, are you not bothered – and do you still have ambitions of returning to Banyana Banyana?
That’s a difficult question to respond to. But then again, I guess everything has it’s time. I need to keep pushing to get back in contention again – I can simply say the ball is in my court, but if nothing happens life goes on. For now, I am focused on the task at hand, as for the rest I have no control over – and should the call come, I know I will be ready.
Where were you and what was your reaction when Banyana Banyana won the WAFCON in Morocco?
I was still here at home. I remember when we scored the second goal (against Morocco in the final) we were so happy with my family. But when they (Morocco) pulled one goal back, we were biting our nails and sat on the edge of our seats. We were so happy and relieved when the final whistle blew. I am proud of the entire team, and I know their win was our win too as it put women’s football in a good spotlight – we can never be thankful enough for that achievement. I even get goosebumps when I think of how big this win is.
What are your personal hopes and ambitions?
I just want to keep going on for as long as I can. And when the times comes for me to hang my boots I would like to give back to the future stars at home and share my experiences with them so they can be better footballers. Having a mentor in this game is important as it helps you avoid some pitfalls that can limit your career, so I want to be there for them, that is my greatest wish.
And what are the aims/targets for the team in the new season?
Having tasted Champions League action (even though I was not with the team at the time), we would like to win the prestigious competition.
Do you see yourself returning to play in SA anytime?
To be honest, I’m in the north of Africa, which is very close to Europe, and while I am keeping my options open, I would like to go abroad but if something better comes from here at home why not return. For now though I am comfortable in Equatorial Guinea and loving every minute of it.
By Matlhomola Morake
FACT FILE: (Wikipedia)
Malabo Kings FC is an Equatorial Guinean women’s football club based in Malabo, the country capital city. It consists of a professional senior team that currently plays in the Equatoguinean Primera División femenina, the women’s top tier of Equatorial Guinea’s football. It is affiliated to Malabo Kings BC, a men’s basketball team, and Futuro Kings, a Mongomo-based men’s football team that plays in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol.
Malabo Kings has won the Primera División in 2018–19. In 2021, it was selected as the representative for Equatorial Guinea at the UNIFFAC qualifiers which won after beating DR Congo club FCF Amani by a lone goal in the finals and qualified them to the inaugural 2021 CAF Women’s Champions League.
Founded in 2019 by Juan mãne Ondo, the Kings clinched their first Equatorial Guinea Primera Division Femenina that same year, alongside the President’s cup.
Equatorial Guinea
Country in Central Africa
Description
Equatorial Guinea is a Central African country comprising the Rio Muni mainland and 5 volcanic offshore islands. Capital Malabo, on Bioko Island, has Spanish colonial architecture and is a hub for the country’s prosperous oil industry. Its Arena Blanca beach draws dry-season butterflies. The tropical forest of the mainland’s Monte Alen National Park is home to gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants.― Google
President: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Currency: Central African CFA franc
Population: 1,45 million (2021) World Bank
Official languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese
