Potso Aphane’s journey in football is a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From her days as a varsity soccer player at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to becoming a prominent voice in the women’s football community, she has continually pushed boundaries, using her platform, Basadi in Action, to champion women in sports. Potso’s story is one of resilience, and it’s a testament to the power of dedication to change the narrative for women in football.

Potso’s love for sports began early, with a diverse interest in various athletic pursuits. “I grew up playing different sports at school, but I think I enjoyed football a little more than the others,” she reflects. Football stood out to her because of its competitive nature and the intensity of the training sessions. This passion led her to apply for a football scholarship at UJ, an opportunity that would shape the next chapter of her life. “I got a scholarship to study at the University of Johannesburg in football. Bear in mind that in high school I was active in athletics, touch rugby, and football,” she recalls. “I went for trials after filling in the UJ football scholarship forms, and I was selected and got the scholarship.”

Despite her love for the game, Potso made the difficult decision to step away from playing football professionally. “Stopping playing football wasn’t the best decision I made, but I guess it was a blessing in disguise,” she admits. As the firstborn in her family, she felt a responsibility to ensure that her education and career choices would honor the sacrifices her family made for her. “I had to give up my career as a football player at an early age. It felt like I was not returning the favour to my family for supporting me and putting me through school,” Potso shares. This decision, however, ignited a new passion: ensuring that other young girls wouldn’t face the same challenges she did.

Although she left the field as a player, Potso’s commitment to the sport didn’t waver. She turned to media, determined to create opportunities for the next generation of female athletes. “I dedicated myself and told myself that I don’t want to see the next girl give up their playing career because of situations or circumstances they are faced with,” she explains. Through Basadi in Action, she sought to be a bridge between aspiring athletes and opportunities, offering a platform where women’s football is seen and celebrated.

Her transition from player to advocate was not without its challenges. “The biggest challenge was not knowing exactly what to do, where to start, and who to start with,” Potso admits. Yet, her resilience and willingness to learn propelled her forward. She began building relationships with people in the industry, gathering the information and support needed to amplify the voices of female athletes.

Basadi in Action was born out of a need to make space for women in football—a space where they could be visible and where their talents could be recognised. “I created Basadi in Action so that I could become a platform to profile athletes that are doing exceptionally well,” Potso says. Her vision is clear: “It’s a space where women can exist, they can be seen, and opportunities can find them.”

The blog has become a hub for stories of women excelling in sports, offering a stage for athletes who might otherwise go unnoticed. Potso’s approach to content is thoughtful and intentional.

“There are so many stories out there that are just untold. I look at different sporting codes and what’s happening in those spaces, and then I pick my stories,” she explains. Her ability to find the right angle keeps her content fresh and engaging, capturing the stories that matter most. Potso’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

She was recently honored by Momentum for her contributions to the sports industry, a recognition that she deeply values. “To be honest, I’m still very excited. It meant that someone is watching me and that what I’m doing is not just going into thin air,” she says. Professionally, this acknowledgment reaffirmed her belief that there is space for women like her in the industry. “It meant that the space I’m in is one where I belong, and it is a space that I can thrive in.”Beyond personal achievements, Potso’s work has created ripple effects in the broader sports community. She was also a finalist in the Gsport for Girls Awards in the social media category, highlighting her role in using digital platforms to advance women’s sports. “The role of social media in advancing women’s sports cannot be emphasized enough,” she says passionately. She wishes that more athletes and organizations would recognize the potential of social media to elevate their profiles and bring attention to their achievements.

Potso’s dedication has opened doors to opportunities beyond South Africa. Her recent trip to Malawi to work with COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) was a significant milestone. “This was my first trip out of South Africa, my first international trip to another African country,” she recounts with excitement. The experience left a lasting impression on her, particularly the passion of the Malawian fans who filled stadiums to support all teams, not just their own. “It taught me that I don’t need to only step out to support women when it’s people from my country. I can step out to support women regardless of their nationality.”

Aphane sees tremendous potential in the future of women’s football in South Africa and across the continent. “We have a great pool of talent; it’s just unfortunate that it almost feels as if we don’t know what to do with this talent that is in our grasp,” she notes. Yet, she remains optimistic. “I see African women in sports winning on the international stage. I see women’s football in South Africa being one of the greatest nations to exist among the African nations and also on the international stage.”

She believes that platforms like Basadi in Action will continue to play a crucial role in this growth, ensuring that information about games, players, and opportunities is readily available. “We are there to support women’s football, not only when the national team is playing but through every competition that the league is competing in,” Potso emphasizes.

Looking ahead, Potso remains committed to shining a spotlight on women in sports. “We keep looking for the next woman to shine a light on, to celebrate, to get to know better,” she says. Her upcoming plans include covering the African Schools Qualifiers in Namibia and aspiring to work at the 2024 CHAN (African Nations Championship) and the CAF Champions League.With every story she tells and every young athlete she supports, Potso Aphane is paving the way for a brighter future for women’s football in South Africa.

Her journey from varsity player to a trailblazer for change is a powerful reminder that passion, when paired with purpose, can create a lasting impact. In her own words, “There’s so much work that we’ve got to do, and there’s so much work that I’m going to do.” Potso’s unwavering dedication ensures that women in football will continue to rise, thrive, and inspire.

Potso Aphane’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the belief in creating a space for others to thrive.

Her journey from a varsity soccer player to a pioneering advocate for women’s football serves as an inspiration for those who dare to dream beyond the field.

Through her platform, Basadi in Action, Potso has turned challenges into opportunities, using her voice to uplift others and shine a light on the untold stories of women in sports. As she continues to break new ground and explore new horizons, Potso proves that women have the power not just to participate, but to lead and inspire in the world of football.

Her dedication to the growth of women’s football in South Africa and beyond reminds us all that progress is possible when we create space for each other and pursue our passions with unwavering determination. With Potso leading the charge, the future of women’s football is brighter, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before.