Volkswagen is driving change in women’s football, empowering young South African players with the support they need to succeed. Through transport, tournaments, and visibility, VW is turning dreams into goals and giving these athletes the platform they deserve. The under-17 national women’s team players below are some of the shining stars and future Banyana Banyana talent.
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their Stories
Ntombifuthi Khumalo – SAFA U-17 Coach
Ntombifuthi coaches South Africa’s under-17 girls under SAFA. Every session, she nurtures raw talent despite limited resources. Volkswagen’s support helps bridge the gap, offering transport and assistance. Her passion lies in mentoring. Watching her players grow – on and off the pitch – reminds her that transformation starts with belief and consistency.
Bridget Harpur – Head of Marketing, Volkswagen South Africa
Bridget heads up marketing at Volkswagen South Africa. VW champions women’s football, ensuring it gets the visibility it deserves. Through sponsorships, vehicles, and storytelling, VW supports athletes beyond the pitch. For Bridget, backing these teams means more than branding – it’s about empowering young women to dream bigger and go further.
Kwezi Khoza – Striker
Kwezi, a striker from KwaZulu-Natal, began football at seven, outplaying the boys until coaches moved her to a girls’ team. She dreams of going professional overseas to support her family. With Volkswagen’s support, she feels seen. For Kwezi, every goal brings her closer to a life once out of reach.
Mbali Ndlovu – Goalkeeper
Mbali, an 18-year-old goalkeeper from Pretoria, sees football as her identity. Positioned to observe the entire field, she leads her team with strength and purpose. Thanks to Volkswagen’s transport support, she arrives safely and ready. Her ultimate goal? To represent her country and make her mother and community deeply proud.
Katleho Malebana – Midfielder, Mamelodi Sundowns Senior Team
Katleho, 16, plays midfield for Mamelodi Sundowns’ senior team. Inspired by backyard games with her brother, she’s committed to going professional and mentoring young girls. Volkswagen’s youth tournaments help her sharpen her skills. For Katleho, football is more than sport – it’s the chance to lead, uplift, and change lives.
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Volkswagen has long championed football, and in South Africa, that legacy now powers a bold new chapter: the rise of women’s football. Through youth initiatives like VW Train for Life, the VW Vaya Cup, and now the sponsorship of the national women’s team, VW is investing where it matters most, at the grassroots.
Women’s football faces real challenges: lack of funding, minimal visibility, and logistical hurdles. Coaches speak of talent that’s ready, but unsupported. That’s why VW’s contribution goes beyond sponsorship, to real impact. By providing vehicles for players, coaches, and scouts, they’re helping teams train, travel, and compete with dignity and consistency.
Players like Katleho, Kwezi and Mbali, speak passionately of what football means to them: identity, pride, and the hope of lifting their families through sport. For them, VW’s backing isn’t just transport, but validation. It’s someone saying: your dream matters.
Volkswagen believes that true transformation starts with opportunity. By spotlighting women’s stories and investing in their journeys, the brand is shifting narratives, closing gaps, and helping unlock potential.
This isn’t just about football. It’s about giving young women the chance to dream bigger and drive their own futures forward.
