Amanda Dlamini @ Backpagepix

In celebrating women's day, PSL.co.za looks at some of our celebrated women footballers who have made the country proud.

Ayanda Dlamini

The current Banyana Banyana captain will forever be remembered as the first ever captain to lead a South African women’s side to a football major tournament.

The 24-year old midfielder/striker showed maturity beyond her age when she took the captian’s armband at the age of 22.

Dlamini went on to lead Banyana to a third place finish at the 2011 African Championship on home soil.

Later in 2011, the University of Johannesburg player led a new look South African side to 2nd position in the COSAFA Cup hosted by Zimbabwe.

Desiree Ellis

The 49-year old holds the record for being the longest serving Banyana Banyana captain.

The Cape Town born legend led the South African women’s side for nine years (1993-2002) and during her time as captain Banyan enjoyed tremendous success.

When the country hosted the African Women’s Championship in 2000, she led the side to a podium finish as runners-up finish.

In 2002, the midfield genius led Banyana to glory in the COSAFA Cup, after which she hung up her boots.

Ellis was given recognition for her services to soccer in the same year when she received a Silver Presidential Sports Award

Her standing in South African football was made clear when she was chosen to be an ambassador for the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Veronica Phewa

Phewa was one of the first South African female players to ply their trade overseas and is amongst the best women footballers the country has ever produced.

Phewa made her international debut in the early 2000’s and immediately established herself as a promising future prospect.

However, it was at the 2002 COSAFA cup where the then 20 year old announced her arrival on the African stage.

Phewa shot her way into the record books when she scored 17 goals in five games at the sub-continent tournament which was held in Zimbabwe

The left footed forward scored eight goals in the opening game against Botswana ( a world record at the time) and her goals not only ensured Banyana Banyana's victory in the Cosafa tournament but also made her the top scorer in the tournament

Portia Modise

By far the most decorated female footballer in South African history, Modise also made her debut in the early 2000’s and she gradually made her mark as one of world football’s most talented.

The former Soweto Ladies striker captained the under 20 (Basetsana Basetsana) side for two years. She was invited to trials by English club Arsenal in 2003.

In 2005, Modise was one of two African women footballers, alongside Perpetua Nkwocha, to be nominated for the Women's FIFA World Player of the Year.

In the 2006 Women's African Football Championship, she scored a goal in the third place final playing for South Africa against Cameroon, and was named Player of the Championship.

She was also voted in the top three for the 2006 CAF Women's Footballer of the Year award, and was selected to play for the All-Stars squad in the match played before the official draw for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

In the 2012 London Olympics, Modise scored South Africa’s only goal at the games. Her goal came in the first game against Sweden and most have tipped it to be amongst the best of the Games.

Noko Matlou

Matlou needs no introduction to African football fans.

Matlou is the only South African footballer – female or male – to ever win the much coveted African Women’s player of the year.

Matlou rose to prominence in the 2009 CAF women’s championship where she finished as joint top scorer and also won the player of the tournament award.

The current Banyana vice-captain has gone on to score 54 goals in 69 appearances for Banyana, a strike rate that has prompted her to be the most feared striker in the African continent.

Matlou played a huge role in Banyana Banyana qualifying for 2012 Olympics; South Africa’s first ever qualification in a major Championship.