South African Duo Test Themselves Against Europe’s Best in Spain

South African Duo Salgado Sports Clubfoot

Photo by Markus Spiske via Pexels

Ntokozo Paradzayi and Okarabile Ramogayana represented South Africa at the prestigious Tximist Cup, gaining valuable experience alongside some of the continent’s leading youth football academies.

Spain (05 July 2026) – Two promising South African footballers recently found themselves sharing the field with some of Europe’s biggest youth academies after being selected to compete at the prestigious Tximist Cup in Spain.

Ntokozo Paradzayi and Okarabile Ramogayana represented South Africa at the international girls’ tournament following standout performances at the Shaka Easter Cup, earning an opportunity to test themselves against top Under-17 talent from across the globe through a development initiative supported by LALIGA Africa.

The pair earned their place after impressing at South Africa’s Shaka Easter Cup, giving them the chance to experience football at an entirely different level.

During their week in Spain, the youngsters trained with Real Sociedad, competed in the tournament’s Under-17 division and immersed themselves in a professional football environment alongside some of Europe’s brightest young talents.

The tournament featured renowned clubs including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Sporting CP, VfL Wolfsburg, Deportivo Alavés, SD Eibar, Hammarby and Queens Park Ladies, exposing the South Africans to different playing styles, coaching methods and football cultures.

Away from the pitch, the players also enjoyed a civic welcome in Donostia-San Sebastián, where they met city officials as part of the tournament’s international programme.

The experience continues to strengthen the pathway between African women’s football and opportunities abroad. It is the second consecutive year that young African players have been invited to Spain through the initiative.

“The initiative forms part of LALIGA Africa’s broader ambition to connect African football talent with international development platforms,” said Tresor Penku, Managing Director of LALIGA in Africa. “The Tximist Cup gives players the opportunity to train, compete and learn in an elite environment, while also seeing what is possible for their future.”

Training alongside elite players, experiencing a professional football environment and competing against some of Europe’s strongest youth teams provided valuable lessons that will undoubtedly benefit them as their careers continue to develop.

The initiative also reflects the growing number of opportunities opening up for young South African women’s footballers to gain international exposure and measure themselves against some of the best emerging talent in the game.