By OnSport Reporter
She could have been a dancer, and dancing is what makes her tick. However, Sandra Mhlauli chose football but still, dancing followed her.
Her rhythmic grace, once expressed on the dance floor, now defines her movement on the pitch. The defender has donned the Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors jersey as part of the Under-20 national setup, marking her as one of the country’s most exciting prospects.
Mhlauli was key in MPOSA’s impressive sixth place finish in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League last year as they were the best Bulawayo team finishing with 38 points from 28 matches.
Hailing from Makokoba and nicknamed “Selema” for her love of the sele-sele dance, her story is one of passion and discipline. OnSport Magazine sat down with the Mpopoma Sports Academy (MPOSA) defender to share her journey.
OM: Sandra, thank you for speaking with us. Let’s start with your beginnings. Tell us about where you grew up.
SM: I was born on the 10th of April 2006 and grew up in Makokoba. I come from a very supportive family that has always encouraged me to work hard and stay disciplined, both in life and in sport.
OM: When did you first realize you had a special talent for football?
SM: I realized my talent when I was in Grade 5. That’s when I started standing out and understood that football was more than just a game for me.
OM: Who were the key people who nurtured that talent early on?
SM: My father played a very important role in my journey. He believed in me from a young age and supported me every step of the way. I also had a dedicated coaches who helped guide and develop my skills during my formative years.
OM: What inspired you to pursue football seriously?
SM: My inspiration came mainly from my father and my own deep love for the game. Football became my passion early on, and I just knew I wanted to take it as far as I could.
OM: Walk us through the teams that have shaped your career so far.
SM: I started my football journey with Real Stars Academy. Then I went on to play for Bulawayo Chiefs, Highlanders Royals, Harare City Queens, and Mpopoma Sport Academy. Each team has played a unique role in shaping me into the player I am today.
OM: What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
SM: Being selected for the Under-20 National Team camp has been one of the most memorable and proud moments of my career. It was a dream realized.
OM: What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
SM: My biggest challenge was not having proper football equipment, including boots. I overcame it by staying focused on my goal, working even harder with what I had, and never giving up on my dream.
OM: What achievements are you most proud of?
SM: I am proud of reaching the professional level and, of course, earning my place in the national Under-20 camp. These milestones make all the hard work worthwhile.
OM: Who are your football role models?
SM: Locally, I look up to Peter Muduhwa. Internationally, I admire Virgil van Dijk.
OM: Which teams do you support?
SM: I support Liverpool FC, and I also follow Scottland FC.
OM: What does a typical training day look like for you?
SM: A typical day involves focused training, proper recovery, maintaining personal discipline, and mental preparation to stay ready for competition.
OM: How do you unwind away from the pitch? We hear you love to dance.
SM: Yes! I love dancing. When I was younger, dancing helped me relax and express myself. It still helps me stay calm, focused, and motivated. Outside of soccer, it’s my favorite way to switch off.
OM: What kind of music is on your playlist?
SM: I mostly listen to Gospel music, which keeps me calm, focused, and motivated.
OM: What’s your go-to meal to stay energized?
SM: I keep my meals simple and balanced to stay fit and energized for training and matches.
OM: Your nickname is “Selema.” The story we’ve heard is that it comes from your love for dance, specifically the sele-sele dance. Can you confirm that?
SM: (Laughs) Yes, that’s true! The nickname “Selema” comes from the sele-sele dance. I loved to dance so much when I was younger, and my friends and family started calling me that. It stuck with me through the years and followed me right onto the football field. My other name is Selma so it also played a part in that nickname. Plus it was Sandra Ndebele who made the dance popular and my name is Sandra, so that’s how the nickname came about.
OM: What is your deepest source of motivation, especially during tough times?
SM: Prayer motivates me. It keeps me strong, focused, and hopeful, especially during difficult moments.
OM: How would you describe your personal philosophy in life and sport?
SM: I believe in hard work, discipline, faith, and never giving up, no matter the situation.
OM: What is your biggest ambition for the future?
SM: My biggest ambition is to grow even further in professional football and to inspire other young girls from my community to follow their dreams.
OM: If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be doing?
SM: I would probably be involved in something creative like dancing or working with young people.
OM: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
SM: To always stay humble, work hard, and trust in God.
OM: Finally, what’s your advice for other young girls with big dreams?
SM: Never give up when things are difficult. Believe in yourself, stay disciplined, pray, and keep working hard. Your dream is valid.
