LET EVERY DOWNFALL BE YOUR REASON TO MOVE FORWARD

Tell us about yourself

My name is Simamkele Nadia Tshuku, born and raised in the city of Cape Town. Most people who know me have always described me as a woman of multi-talents as one of the things I'm still trying to show and be known for besides football is music. I've always been a very passionate person from a very young age, full of life and never been afraid to try out new things, always motivated myself with words such as "I cannot say I can't, until I might have tried and failed". Growing up in the township has never been easy because of the type of life we are exposed to, but I had kept a positive mindset that I will make it out.

At what age did you start playing football?

I started playing football at the age of 12. Growing up with boys and being the only girl had an impact on me playing football. Moving to Johannesburg in 2015 was a bit challenging, having to look for a new team, which I started training with boys then later found a girls team (Naledi Juventus).

How has the transition been from playing in the Tshwane Regional League with the University's B team to playing in the Varsity Cup and USSA Championships with the high performance team?

Being in the regional league has always been the best throughout, the support given by the fans throughout the league was humbling for me, which I left with the name "Mboro".

Joining the University of Pretoria (Tuks) was one of the most amazing achievements, from watching them on TV to being a part of them. This is just one of the amazing things I have achieved so far in my football career.

Talking about varsity cup, tell us about your first live game.

Sitting on the bench watching the first half of the game, gave me time to calm myself down. While waiting on the line, waiting to go in, I could feel my heart pumping out of my mouth, that's how nervous I was. But after 5 minutes in, I was proud of myself and representing the stripes generation. One highlight is having one of my teammates shouting "come on Sima! we need you here, you can do this".

Players have a special routine before every game, what do you do before every game?

My special routine has always been prayer and music before every game.

We are currently under lockdown, how have you been keeping fit and healthy without the fields?

During this lockdown, I have programs that I'm following and doing every week which are helping a lot and I obviously watch the type of food I eat.

Tell us about your family's support throughout your career.

My family has been supportive throughout my football career, before every game my mom would send a good luck message to me and the team. They are 100% behind me and I'm thankful.

Talk to us about your career goals.

I'm currently studying BEd at the university which hasn't fallen far from everything I have always wanted to do, which is to work with kids and always be of help to them. I know how it is to be one and what teenagers mostly experience. Like I said, I'm still working on my music career which most don't know about yet and hoping for the best in my football career to one day be recognized in my country.

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

Refiloe Jane is one of the people I have always looked up to, one thing I would highlight is her humbleness in the field of play. I believe she's a true living testimony of "keep on moving without limits" as she keeps on moving from Glory to Glory.

Any motivation you would like to share with players and our readers?

My advice to players and readers, let every downfall be your reason to move forward and never stop working. Allow people to correct you in life, remember "a teachable heart is a teachable spirit".