Balancing the Navy and Banyana: Antonia Maponya navigates dual life ahead of Nigeria play-off
SA Navy HR officer and Banyana Banyana player Antonia Maponya opens up about balancing a corporate career with international football as South Africa prepare for a crucial World Cup play-off against Nigeria.
Antonia Maponya lives by one rule: balancing her full-time job as an HR specialist at the South African Navy with her semi-professional football career. The 7am to 4pm shift at the Navy is followed by training at 4.30pm with her club, University of the Western Cape (UWC). Despite the demanding schedule, Maponya thrives due to the unwavering support of her loved ones.
The Chief of the SA Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, praises her as an exemplary figure, stating that her achievements serve as inspiration for young women and girls. Maponya was part of the Banyana Banyana team that reached the quarter-finals in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations but missed out on the World Cup qualification. However, she sees her current lifestyle as a rewarding choice, explaining that she'd rather have a challenging life than give up on her career.
She appreciates the flexibility of working in the defence force, which has branches in every province, allowing her to maintain her football career while staying in the Navy. Banyana Banyana faces Nigeria in the continental play-offs for a spot in the inter-continental play-offs. Maponya and her teammates are determined to overcome the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup and focus on the task at hand.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
