Andile Dlamini: South African Football Star reveals passion for music

Andile Dlamini was named the Momentum Athlete of the Year at the 18th edition of the Momentum gsport Awards in September. The gsport Awards stands as a significant event in South Africa, devoted to honouring and enhancing the visibility of women in sports, including football. 

Aside from being one of the top South African football players, Dlamini is also an excellent singer. She has released ten songs for now to prove her passion for music. 

Dlamini showcased her impressive singing skills to the audience at the Momentum gsport Awards 2023 held in Johannesburg on September 12. She sang a beautiful solo song with the support of the Indoni Higher Primary choir as the opening act.

Surviving the pandemic

After her musical debut earlier this year, Dlamini posted on the social media platform X in June, “Sometimes life will throw you lemons, (but) as sour as they are, make lemonade. So behind this beautiful acting is my beautiful angelic voice.” 

In July, she told BBC Sport Africa about her deep love for music due to its essential role in her COVID-19 recovery during the pandemic. Two years ago, Dlamini’s career suffered a huge blow due to COVID-19. She expressed how desperate her situation was.

“I didn’t think I would ever play football again and I don’t think the doctors thought I would ever play football again.” she said.

Fortunately, Dlamini managed to make an impressive comeback after six months of being out. She mentioned her gratitude for the doctors at her South African top-flight club, Mamelodi Sundowns and her family. She also explained how music helped with her struggle during this time.

“Music played a huge role in my recovery,” Dlamini said. “There is a song called Ngicela kukhanye,’ which is Zulu for Please Bring Me Brightness.’ That song healed me on its own.”

She reaffirms that music is more than a pastime. “It (music) connects. It heals. And what a way to mix sport and arts. For me, that is a perfect combination.”

Both singer and footballer

Football is hugely popular in South Africa, including women’s football, allowing inspiring figures like Dlamini to thrive. 

Whether it’s local matches or big international events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, football always attracts a huge crowd in the country. Football popularity in the country can also be seen in the many football stars in TV commercials. In addition, the high number of football sportsbets/sportingbet placed among South Africans is also a supporting fact. 

Dlamini’s success as both a football player and singer has inspired many. Dlamini has been doing great in her football career for her team and the national squad in the past few years. In the recent CAF Women’s Champions League, she didn’t let any goals in, playing against some of the best African women’s teams in Cote d’Ivoire.

She’s a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national champions, Banyana Banyana. She is even among the top 3 finalists for the 2023 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year. 

Among the two careers she’s having, her bright future with football is sure to be anticipated, as she stated that football remains her biggest passion for now.

“They are both my careers – but right now, football is dominating,” Dlamini explains.