"In the process of being the best you can be, don't forget where you come from! "Says Tuks.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am Hlangoane Nthabiseng Natasha, also known as Tuks. I'm 24 years of age and reside in Mamelodi. I am a TUT graduate and currently doing my Advanced Diploma in Sport Management. I'm currently playing for the University of Pretoria (Ama Tuks) and I am a defender. Netball

is also a sport I love playing and I have Excelled a lot when playing it as I have been playing it since I was young.

2. At what age did you start playing football?

As I said, netball was a sport I started playing since I was young, It was then I left netball for football. I was called by a coach Known as Sgonondo to come to play for his team. I was 18 years old at that time and I loved playing football ever since as I am an active person, I never disappointed the coach ever since I joined his team. In 2015 I played my first league at UP Tuks which was the Tshwane Regional League, I then left UP Tuks and played for Vikings Ladies F.C the following year.

3. Which year would you say you have achieved what you wanted to achieve in football? And what was it?

I would say it was in 2019 because I had the opportunity to train with the higher performance team which is TUT ladies. For the team to notice my potential it was like a dream come true cause it was what I have been working hard on. Being part of that squad was amazing as the team won 6 times in a row making them champions of the Varsity Cup, and being chosen to play with them encouraged me to work even harder so that I can my TUT proud of me. I also had the chance to play for University Sports South Africa (USSA) which we came out in second place. I'm thankful for all the opportunities I was given at TUT and I will forever keep pushing hard until I reach my goal.

4. You were once a captain at Vikings Ladies F.C, would you say you have made a change in the team when you were their leader?

I would say it was an amazing thing that happened to me for being trusted to lead a team, it was in 2017 when I became their captain. I would say I did make a change with the help of miss Zwane and my teammates. Together we are strong and divided we fall, that saying is very true as I couldn't do it alone. We managed to win the Tshwane Regional League in 2017 under my leadership and the team spirit was very strong that helped us to win the league also. All I know is that Vikings Ladies F.C had love and support and I still appreciate the support they gave me when I was their captain.

5. What does team spirit mean to you?

The words "team spirit" unites a team, those two words bring wonders in a team. Without team spirit what are we? Team spirit means encouragement and "s'phusha sonke" as teammates.

6. You are currently playing for The University of Pretoria, what challenges have you faced so far?

Yes, that's the name of the team I'm currently playing for. It has been a bit challenging cause I have been with Vikings Ladies F.C for 4 years and playing for another team after those years is something else. Adapting to their style of play is challenging for me as I'm used to how we played at Viking F.C ladies F.C but I'm ready to take those challenges down and play without any fear.

7. What are your goals in football life?

Honestly speaking I've never seen myself in football life as mentioned that Netball was my sport, but now in this 4-5 years experience in football, I have to say I've learned so much and developed and I want to go far with football

8. Who is the sports icon that influenced you the most and why ?

Mohale Jienet Tembeka(Major) is the one person who I look up too in football. I just want to see myself as her. She's a fighter wall and she knows what she wants. She inspires me as a defender. Like I always say, I will never retire until I play

Like her.

9. Any motivation you would like to share with the readers and players.

Don't be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same as everyone.

Football is a sacrifice, you owe yourself to be the best you can be, and don't forget to be the best for the team too.

When you are still in the process of being the best you can be, remember not to forget where you come from.