The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is celebrating a significant milestone as two of its brightest footballing talents, Adrielle Mibe and Ayesha Moosa, are poised to embark on exciting international journeys this month. They are set to join clubs in the United States and Spain, respectively.
Both attacking midfielders and forwards were instrumental to the UJ Women’s Football Team’s success in the Hollywoodbets Super League and various cup competitions.
“It gives me such great joy to speak about Adrielle Mibe, a girl that we started working with at a very young age within the formal structures of our UJ Football Club. We are very proud as a Club and as a coach to see her go to the United States to further her education and play football. As her coach, I wish her all the best; let her fly her country’s flag proudly,” says Head Coach Nthabeleng “Dunga” Modiko.
Coach Modiko also added that it’s not only UJ that is losing a quality player in Moosa, but the football fraternity in the national league. “Ayesha is a highly skilled technical player who is humble in how she conducts herself. She’s our pride and our alumnus who has played the best football in the UJ colours. Congratulations to her on this move to Spain; make us proud! We will be watching you, hoping to see you in the Champions League,” she says.
Mibe heads to Arizona, Moosa to Spain
Mibe, an 18-year-old sensation, will cross the Atlantic to join the University of Arizona, where she will not only showcase her football prowess in the competitive NCAA league but also pursue a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mibe’s ascent has been meteoric, having represented the senior national women’s team, Banyana Banyana, while still a high school learner. Her remarkable talent has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally.
Mibe’s impressive resume includes back-to-back Engen Knockout Challenge titles with the UJ Under-20 team in 2022 and 2023, along with a runner-up finish in 2024. She has also gained valuable international experience, featuring in the Women’s COSAFA Cup Under-17 in 2023 and the COSAFA Under-20 in 2024 tournaments.
Most recently, Mibe was part of the Banyana Banyana squad for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, though her participation was cut short due to her impending move to the US and coach Desiree Ellis’s squad adjustments.
Meanwhile, Moosa, a recent UJ Sport Science graduate, is set to jet off to Spain for a season-long stint with CD Argual in La Palma. She won the 2022 Varsity Football title with the UJ Senior Women’s Football Team in Johannesburg and the University Sport South Africa (USSA) 2024 title in Kimberley.
Moosa made her national team debut in the 2023 Women’s COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha, further solidifying her credentials as a rising star.
A new chapter for both talents
“I’m going there to learn and grow and also showcase my talent on a global stage,” Mibe told UJ Sport. “This opportunity will give me the ability to develop further as a player; I am ready to embrace the change and all the good things that will come out of it.” She expressed gratitude to the UJ Football Club, coaches, teammates, and her family for their unwavering support throughout her football journey.
Moosa is excited for this new challenge, expressing confidence in her ability to adapt to a new environment. “Football is a universal language, settling down will not be such a challenge,” Moosa stated. “I am looking forward to exploring life abroad and helping my team win trophies.”
Mibe is scheduled to depart for the USA on 21 July, 2025, immediately after her final Engen Knockout Challenge with the UJ U20 Team at Marks Park Sportsgrounds. Moosa will follow just days later.
Both players believe their overseas experiences will be crucial for their development, allowing them to hone their skills and contribute significantly to future national team endeavors on the global stage.
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