Meet Avela Wotini, the rose of George

FOOTBALL NEWS - George has got talent - not only on the stage, but also on the sports fields.

One of our outstanding sport stars, Avela Wotini (21), is the first female professional football player who hails from George.

She plays in the position of shot stopper in the UJ Football Club ladies team in the National Hollywood Bet Super League, the top tier of national football. Wotini, a third-year sports management student at the University of Johannesburg, was born and bred in Thembalethu.

George Herald met up with her at Imizamo Yethu High School.

Avela smiles for the camera at Imizamu Yetho High, where she met with George Herald for the interview.

GH - Your name is on everyone's lips after receiving the great opportunity to play in the Hollywood Bets Super League. What is it like?

Wotini - It is a wonderful opportunity and the greatest experience to be live on TV doing what I love most. But it is difficult too. As a player I need to fight for my position in the team and study as well.

GH - Who is Avela Wotini?

Wotini - Avela is a unique girl who likes to socialise with others. I started my academic career at Denneoord Primary School and finished Grade 12 at PW Botha College [now Eden Technical College]. I grew up playing different sporting codes such as netball, hockey and athletics, but I fell in love with football.

GH - Where did it all start?

Wotini - At high school. I got scouted to play in the FNB - First National Bank Football First Programme u.15. After I received that opportunity, I didn't look back.

GH - Why did you decide to play soccer?

Wotini - I grew up watching football with my grandfather and always wanted to be on the TV playing football.

GH - What keeps you motivated in your daily life?

Wotini - My family has been a pillar of strength, supporting me and encouraging me not to give up, but to carry on with football because they know exactly how much I love football.

GH - Who helped you to reach your football dream?

Wotini - I was scouted by the UJ team's talent selectors when I was playing for the provincial team back in 2017 in Durban, but I was still at high school at the time. After finishing Grade 12, I joined the UJ team.

GH - How hard is it to compete in the Women's National League?

Wotini - It's always a big challenge because everyone wants to play in that league. There are a lot of talented, quality players in the UJ Football Club team. The competition is very important as it keeps everyone working harder.

Avela Wotini (white top) with Grade 12 learners of Imizamo Yethu High School on Wednesday afternoon, 12 July. Photos: Zama Gagu