Rising Star

Two months ago, the eyes of the world were glued to their screens, watching the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Players like Sam Keer, Mary Fowler, Wende Reinard, Lauren James, and Bayanna Bayanna own Thembi Kgatlana were all on show, inspiring a new generation of female footballers.

One player who is inspired is Skyler Vere.

From Durban, Skyler started playing football at 11, after her coach sent their school team to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Trials.

An avid Liverpool fan, her favorite player is Neymar because of his silky skill and animated celebrations.

Playing Left Back or Right - Wing Back for the DC Footstars, a girl's only club, founded by Chenee Green and Damien Pierce, the team enters leagues and tournaments around the KZN.

Chenee Green, who is passionate and a big advocate for women's football. She encourages them to have their own leagues and tournaments.

Chenee is Skyler's biggest inspiration and is more than a coach to her but a sister figure.

Despite taking up football at 11, Skyler has grown and achieved a lot in a short space of time.

Having been selected to represent the KZN B team in 2022, her most prominent and proudest moment to date was at her capping ceremony this year, where she was chosen to represent the KZN A team.

But to top that, she was selected as Captain and represented the KZN team at the National Tournament.

With ambitions to represent Bayanna Bayanna one day and continue to grow women's football, we are looking forward to seeing Skyler continued growth as a footballer.