FORMER Banyana Banyana vice-captain Simphiwe "Shorty" Dludlu has been recalled after a three-year sabbatical.
New coach Vera Pauw wants Dludlu to be part of the world-class team she has been mandated to build by the South African Football Association.
Dludlu is part of the 40-member provisional squad.
The team is in camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria to prepare for the 2014 African Women's Championships qualifiers against Comoros in May.
"It's such a great feeling to be back in the team after such a long time where I was also able to achieve a number of good things for myself," said Dludlu yesterday. "The new coach is building a team preparing for future competitions, including the African Women's Championship in Namibia in October [where the top three countries will go to the 2015 Women's Fifa World Cup in Canada].
"I'm only 26 and still believe I have a lot to offer in the national team. I have never retired but did not expect the call-up. In 2011, I decided to focus on my studies because I was busy with a sport science degree at the University of Pretoria.
"At that time, I was in the last year of my studies and wanted to graduate with flying colours," said the Tembisa-based soccer star.
Besides focusing on her studies, Dludlu also embarked on a coaching career, travelling to Holland for a Uefa B-licence course.
Dludlu is also in possession of the Confederation of African Football B-licence.
Dludlu back with Banyana
FORMER Banyana Banyana vice-captain Simphiwe "Shorty" Dludlu has been recalled after a three-year sabbatical.
New coach Vera Pauw wants Dludlu to be part of the world-class team she has been mandated to build by the South African Football Association.
Dludlu is part of the 40-member provisional squad.
The team is in camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria to prepare for the 2014 African Women's Championships qualifiers against Comoros in May.
"It's such a great feeling to be back in the team after such a long time where I was also able to achieve a number of good things for myself," said Dludlu yesterday. "The new coach is building a team preparing for future competitions, including the African Women's Championship in Namibia in October [where the top three countries will go to the 2015 Women's Fifa World Cup in Canada].
"I'm only 26 and still believe I have a lot to offer in the national team. I have never retired but did not expect the call-up. In 2011, I decided to focus on my studies because I was busy with a sport science degree at the University of Pretoria.
"At that time, I was in the last year of my studies and wanted to graduate with flying colours," said the Tembisa-based soccer star.
Besides focusing on her studies, Dludlu also embarked on a coaching career, travelling to Holland for a Uefa B-licence course.
Dludlu is also in possession of the Confederation of African Football B-licence.
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