Seventeen-year-old striker powers Real Brazilians to stunning first season
By David Rossouw
Real Brazilians FC entered the Sasol League, Western Cape, this year with little fanfare. They leave their first campaign with results and performances that show they belong at this level.
The club, led by coach Andile Mqaleleo, finished with 14 wins in 18 matches, scoring 72 goals and conceding 28. They never drew. Their goal difference of plus 44 underlined both attacking force and defensive discipline.
The emergence of 17-year-old striker Alulutho Bobotyane was the defining thread of the season. In her debut she finished as the second-highest scorer in the league, combining composure in front of goal with speed and positional instinct. Her rise signals the arrival of a new generation of talent in women’s football in the Western Cape.
Results carried weight. The 10–1 demolition of Salim United, the 8–0 win against Maties and the 9–0 rout of Lucky Girls displayed their firepower. Narrow victories against CPUT Ladies and Sporting Stars revealed another dimension, resilience in tense contests. Losses were absorbed and answered with renewed intent.
Mqaleleo called the season a success and a foundation for what comes next. “We learned a lot, and we will focus on the errors. We will work on those mistakes during the off-season and bounce back stronger,” he said.
The club’s arrival matters beyond numbers. It reflects the strengthening of women’s football in the province and offers young players in their community a visible path.
For Real Brazilians, the debut season was not only about participation. It was a statement that they are prepared to compete, and that the rest of the league must take notice.