Tinyiko Barbara Ngobeni
The dust might have settled, but the sting of not defending their WAFCON crown still lingers for Banyana Banyana — and for the City of Johannesburg’s Dineo Magagula, it’s only added more fuel to her fire.
Fresh from competing in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Magagula returned home with mixed emotions. The team didn’t win — but her determination remains untouched.
From the quiet village fields of Kgaphamadi in Limpopo to international tournaments in Morocco, Magagula’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Raised by her grandmother alongside a houseful of cousins, Magagula’s early days were filled with laughter, love and makeshift soccer matches. Her uncle often gifted them soccer balls, sparking a passion that would shape her future.
When she moved to Soweto for high school, life took on new challenges. But she stayed grounded — thanks to the values her grandmother taught her: humility, respect and independence.
“My grandmother was my biggest supporter,” Magagula recalls. “Soccer became my escape and comfort.”
After matric, Magagula’s talent earned her a bursary to study at the University of Johannesburg, where she completed a Diploma in Transport Management in 2021.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing — she faced setbacks along the way — but quitting was never an option. “My parents always said, ‘Education first.’ I knew I couldn’t rely on soccer alone.”
Today, Magagula juggles her football career as a goalkeeper with an internship at the City of Johannesburg in the Transport Department, proving that dreams and discipline can coexist. She has featured for Soweto Ladies, Soweto Fabulous and the UJ Women’s teams. She is currently on the books of TS Galaxy Queens.
She is also passionate about mentoring young girls, empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence. She values the discipline that soccer has instilled in her, noting: “Football teaches you how to behave on and off the field.”
The shot stopper lives by one word: Unstoppable. “As long as I keep going, nothing will stop me.”
SOURECD FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
