Burnley Women’s FC central midfielder, Mushfiqah Daniels, 15, from Bonteheuwel, is one of a number of players from across the city hand picked by Milnerton-based BT Football Recruiting Agency as part of its youth squad set to travel to Spain in April.
However, the youngster, a Grade 10 pupil at Modderdam High, and her family still needs to raise a fair amount of funds to make her dream a reality.
Introduced to the game at an early age by her father Erfaan, Mushfiqah started out with Bonteheuwel United at the age of six and has been with Burnley for just over a year.
“He was the one who always pushed me to become the best and showed me that anything is possible if you work hard for it,” she said
“I love everything about this sport, it brings me happiness and when I step onto the field all my problems go away,” she said.
“If I wasn’t into soccer I would probably be playing netball because when I was younger I used to play netball for Young Pirates Netball Club,” she said.
Burnley head coach, Garrison Wilson, has known Mushfiqah for three years and considers her commitment to the game way above average.
“I’ve never came across a young girl that fellows soccer like her. Not only does she watch European football but local football as well,” he said.
“The work rate she puts on the pitch is something else, giving 100% in every game and in training, never giving up till the final whistle,” he said.
“She is very dedicated and disciplined towards her sport. She rarely misses out on training and soccer games. She has a real passion for the game,” said Wilson.
Regarding the upcoming trip to Spain, he said: “The experience will help her to connect with like-minded peers and help her find opportunities. We support her in her passions and to keep her dream alive.”
- To get to Spain, Mushfiqah needs to raise R48 000. If you’d like to assist in any way, call 084 706 4816.
