Pretoria - Mamelodi Sundowns star “Hlogi” not only knows how to kick a ball, but she blends dance and football to tell an inspirational African story.
Lehlogonolo “Hlogi” Mashigo quickly learnt that you have to work for what you want in life – and she has yet to shy away from the challenge.
Drawing on the rhythm and vibe of South Africa, Hlogi harnessed a talent for football, earning a place in the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team. But this was just the start of her journey.
Mamelodi Sundowns this week released the third episode of its global YouTube docuseries, Sundowns Stories, titled Hlogi.
These powerful stories give supporters never-before-seen insights into the personal lives, struggles and triumphs of the Mamelodi Sundowns heroes.
“When people speak of Sundowns, the discussion usually gravitates towards the team’s success and the records we want to break,” said Sundowns chairperson and executive producer of Sundowns Stories, Tlhopie Motsepe.
“Although we never shy away from our desire to be the best team in Africa, there is much more to our club than just winning; and behind our successes are the powerful stories of the supporters, players and people who have made Mamelodi Sundowns what it is today,” Motsepe added.
The latest instalment, Hlogi, is a moving tribute to one of the club’s most charismatic personalities and talented players.
Growing up in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, Hlogi displayed an early passion for football. From age 4, she kicked a ball around with the boys.
Hlogi’s mom, Gladys Mashigo, recalled how her daughter’s interest in football was recognised at a young age, and while she questioned her lack of enthusiasm for what was deemed “traditional girl’s interests” – netball and beauty pageants – she knew it was important to let Hlogi pursue her passion.
A steely determination, passion for football, strict work ethic and incredible raw talent saw Hlogi overcoming the dual challenges of poverty and gender, achieving in a traditionally male-dominated sport. She found a home at Mamelodi Sundowns, impressing coaches with her unmatched footwork, and earning a massive fan base as she emerged a shining role model for youth everywhere.
But it was after sharing a video of herself performing a dance in Mzansi’s signature amapiano style that the world discovered another of Hlogi’s talents.
The video quickly went viral and she started performing regularly at dance clubs, entering a new industry she would soon come to dominate.
With the arrival of Covid-19 and nationwide lockdown, the dance club scene ground to a halt, but ever the innovator, Hlogi started uploading daily dance videos.
Gaining new fans, she has established herself as a social media celebrity with almost 500 000 Instagram followers, over 40 000 YouTube subscribers and 231 000 TikTok followers with 1.3 million likes. She now works alongside other top performers, putting out well-choreographed dance videos that are being imitated from coast to coast and from kasi to kasi.
“Dancing has always been there, as part of street culture,” Hlogi explained.
“Amapiano is a vibe … it’s a culture …it’s a celebration of being young.”
Sundowns Stories Episode 3, Hlogi is available now via YouTube on SundownsTV.
Pretoria News