Banyana star joins French side

In a statement, Reims said: Originally from Cape Town in South Africa, Noxolo Cesane is committed until 2023 with the Stade de Reims. At 21, the South African striker will play in the D1 Arkema championship for the first time. Welcome, Noxo.”

The 21-year-old will be playing in a European league for the first time in her career after impressing at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she provided two assists to help Banyana clinch the title in Rabat, Morocco.

She is the second member of the Cesane family to make their way overseas as her twin sister Sinoxolo plies her trade in the United States of America (USA) at Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves.

Cesane was at UWC Ladies for three years after joining from Cape Town Roses. She worked her way up and made her Banyana debut in 2019 at the COSAFA Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth.  The attacker has been flourishing ever since.

CESANE ON JOINING REIMS

“I am thrilled to join the club for the next two seasons. I can’t wait to start playing and work with my teammates,” said Cesane, who also shared a message with Reims supporters.

“I can’t wait to start playing, work with my teammates, and meet you [fans]. See you on Sunday in Delaune to face Olympique Lyonnais Féminin.”

Meanwhile, Reims assistant coach Amaury Messuwe described Cesane as an “asset in attack with an excellent technique.”

“Noxolo is a player who has a very interesting game palette.  Her small size also allows her to be very lively and reactive, especially in small spaces,” added Messuwe.

“Her versatility and good performance in the different positions of the attack show that Noxolo has an above-average foot intelligence.”