By Lungile Ntimba
The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) two top women’s football players, Adrielle Mibe and Ayesha Moosa, have secured international club deals in the United States and Spain.
According to the university, both players have been key contributors to the success of the institution Women’s Football Team in the Hollywoodbets Super League and national tournaments.
Nthabeleng “Dunga” Modiko, who is a head coach of the UJ women’s football team, said the club was pleased with Mibe, who had been part of the university’s football structures from a young age.
“We are very proud as a club and as a coach to see her go to the United States to further her education and play football. As her coach, I wish her all the best; let her fly her country’s flag proudly,” she said in a statement.
Commenting on Moosa’s departure, Modiko said the team was not only losing a talented footballer, but also someone who had significantly impacted the national league.
“Ayesha is a highly skilled technical player who is humble in how she conducts herself. She’s our pride and our alumnus who has played the best football in the UJ colours. Congratulations to her on this move to Spain; make us proud! We will be watching you, hoping to see you in the Champions League,” she said.
UJ sports spokesperson Collen Maepa confirmed that Mibe would be joining the University of Arizona, where she would compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) League while pursuing a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
He noted that Mibe had already achieved significant milestones in her career, including representing Banyana Banyana while still in high school.
Most recently, she was part of the Banyana Banyana squad for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but had to withdraw early due to her upcoming move to the US and adjustments to the squad by coach Desiree Ellis.
In an interview with UJ Sport, Mibe expressed gratitude to the institution’s football club, coaches, teammates and her family for their unwavering support throughout her football journey.
“I’m going there to learn and grow and also showcase my talent on a global stage,” she told UJ Sport.
“This opportunity will give me the ability to develop further as a player; I am ready to embrace the change and all the good things that will come out of it.”
Meanwhile, Moosa, who is a a recent Sport Science graduate, is set to join CD Argual in La Palma in Spain, for a season-long stint.
Maepa said Moosa had been a central figure in the university’s football achievements, including the 2022 Varsity Football title and the USSA 2024 title.
He added that Moosa made her national team debut during the 2023 Women’s COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha, solidifying her credentials as a rising football star.
“Football is a universal language, settling down will not be such a challenge,” said Moosa.
“I am looking forward to exploring life abroad and helping my team win trophies.”
According to Maepa, both players believe their overseas experiences would be crucial for their development, allowing them to hone their skills and contribute significantly to future national team endeavors on the global stage.
INSIDE EDUCATION
