When Mahle Zondi first queued for a meal at Angels’ Care Centre’s Saturday feeding scheme several years ago, little did she know that a simple bowl of nourishment would spark a journey all the way to the professional soccer league.
Howick, South Africa (30 October 2026) – When a child is given support that meets their immediate needs and further helps them step into new experiences and opportunities, more often than not, wonderful things take root.
Take the journey of young Mahle Owethu Zondi.
Years ago, as a little girl, she began attending the Angels’ Care Centre’s Saturday feeding scheme. Realising there was somewhere she was guaranteed a filling and nourishing meal, Mahle continued attending the feeding scheme and later the Centre’s daily after-school programme. Through the programme, she has received academic and homework support/tutoring, as well as sports and physical activities.
On the soccer field is where she has really come into her own, and through the Centre’s Girls Soccer League launched earlier this year, she has demonstrated the talent of a promising soccer star.
Today, she is an unstoppable leader, an incredible young woman, and now officially signed to MUBS Ladies (a women’s football team based in Pietermaritzburg) in the prestigious SASOL Women’s League (SAFA Umgungundlovu, Msunduzi)!
“It is hard to put into words just how proud our entire Angels Care family is right now,” shares the Angels Care Centre.
Mahle has had an absolute dream season in 2026, wearing the iconic #10 jersey for FC Angels. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- FC Angels 2026 Top Goalscorer
- Best Midfielder of the Year
- Captain of FC Angels
- Umgababa Dlamini Tournament Top Scorer (5 goals!)
- Leading the team to win the Umgababa Dlamini Tournament and reach the finals of the Mayoral Games!
These impressive accolades speak to what’s possible when a child is given support that leaves them better than it found them, as well as the opportunity to discover a hidden talent.
“When we launched our Girls Soccer League with 6 teams earlier this year, our dream was to build confidence, create safe spaces, and show our young girls that their dreams are valid. Mahle has just proven to every single little girl running around in our Aftercare that anything is possible with dedication, humility, and heart.”
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Nurse Steps in to Gift Woman with Portable Oxygen Concentrator and a New Lease on LifeAs Mahle prepares to take her place in the MUBS Ladies team, she has made her Angels Care team proud beyond words and inspired us all.
“We aren’t losing a player; we are gaining an extraordinary role model. FC Angels will always be your home, Mahle. Go fly high. Your entire Angels Care family is cheering you on every step of the way!”
Congratulations Mahle!
Sources: Angels’ Care Centre
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