Meet Ronnel Donnelly: Banyana’s ‘Star Girl’ Is Just Getting Started

Meet Ronnel Donnelly: Banyana’s ‘Star Girl’ Is Just Getting Started

In a tournament full of familiar heavyweights and established stars, South Africa’s Ronnel Donnelly has brought something fresh to WAFCON 2025 — youthful hunger, fearless energy, and a story that’s only just begun.

From Durban’s South Basin to Africa’s Biggest Stage

Born and raised in Wentworth, Durban, Ronnel Donnelly grew up surrounded by football. Her parents, Lewis and Tully, are both coaches and founders of the local Shooting Stars team. Football was more than just a sport in the Donnelly household — it was a way of life.

Like many talented girls in South Africa, Ronnel started out playing in boys’ teams simply because there weren’t enough structured options for girls. By nine, she was finally allowed to join the women’s setup, and by 15, she was already on the national U17 radar.

It didn’t take long for her name to travel. She made headlines at the 2023 Varsity Women’s Football tournament, top scoring and scooping the Player of the Tournament award while representing the University of the Western Cape Ladies. That same year, she featured in the CAF Women’s Champions League alongside future Banyana teammates.

A Debut to Remember

Fast forward to WAFCON 2025, and Ronnel made her senior national team debut against Ghana — a late substitute appearance that might have seemed symbolic at the time.

But it was against Mali where she truly arrived.

Coming off the bench, she wasted no time announcing herself. Just ten minutes on the pitch, and Donnelly slotted home her first senior international goal with a composed right-footed strike after a slick assist from Nonhlanhla Mthandi. That moment made her the second-youngest scorer in the tournament, and the nickname “Star Girl” was born.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” she said afterward. “But I’m so grateful to be here.”

Playing Beside Her Heroes

For Donnelly, just sharing the pitch with her idol Jermaine Seoposenwe was a dream come true. She’d grown up watching the Banyana veteran and suddenly found herself not only training with her, but scoring in the same jersey.

“I look up to her in every way,” Donnelly beamed. “When we were on the field together, I thought: ‘Damn, I see something here.’”

It’s this humility, mixed with undeniable talent, that has made her such a compelling figure — not just for fans, but within the squad.

“She’s young, full of energy, always up for the challenge,” said teammate Gabriela Salgado. “She brings something different.”

A Missing Spark Against Senegal

In Banyana’s nervy quarterfinal against Senegal, the absence of Thembi Kgatlana was already a blow. But when Donnelly was ruled out due to injury, the champions lacked that extra injection of pace and spark off the bench. It was no surprise they were held to a goalless draw and forced into penalties.

Photos of Donnelly training on Monday gave fans hope that she might be fit for the semifinal against Nigeria. And with the Super Falcons smashing five past Zambia in their last outing, Banyana will need every ounce of Donnelly’s fearless energy.

“Hopefully next game she’ll be back,” Salgado said. “She’s what we need for this team in transition.”

The Future Is Bright

Whether or not Donnelly starts against Nigeria, one thing is clear — her impact on this tournament has already been felt. In a squad reshaping itself after their 2022 title win, players like Donnelly represent the future of South African women’s football.

On social media, fans have flooded timelines with praise, nicknaming her “Star Girl” and sharing clips of her first goal. Some have even compared her movement and finishing style to European greats.

But for Ronnel, it’s not about the hype. It’s about the grind.

“It shows there’s something in me,” she said. “Now I need to buckle down and work even harder to get more caps.”

If her debut is anything to go by, she won’t be waiting long.

Source:ESPN Africa 

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