School coach wants to bring development in ladies’ football
“I have realised that there is a gap in our sporting community and that most of these girls do not have a place to explore their talents due to not having any soccer clubs to accommodate them, especially outside of school,” says Malatji.
KwaThema – A school coach is determined to ensure that young talented females are represented in soccer in Kwatsaduza.
Lazarus Malatji, founder and coach of Young Achievers, an all female’s soccer club, says women are underrepresented in Kwatsaduza and having an all-girls soccer teams is proving to be challenging.
“I have realised that there is a gap in our sporting community, and that most girls do not have a place to explore their talents due to not having any soccer clubs to accommodate them, especially outside of school,” says Malatji.
Malati says some of the challenges they face include lack of gym equipment, soccer kit and the lack of support from the local sports committee in the area.
“Some players do not have soccer boots and come from disadvantaged families, and this leads them to being demotivated and so end up quitting.”
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Mpho Khumalo (12), who plays left back, says she would like to see the club growing and having support from the community.
“I enjoy playing soccer a lot as it has so much benefits and have made friends with similar interest as mine.
“What I would like to see changing is that more girls’ soccer teams should be produced, nurtured and prioritised,” explains Khumalo.
The club is open to anyone who would like to donate soccer kit and boots, training equipment or motivational talks with the players.
For more information, you can contact Lazarus Malatji on 076 741 5372.
