Coach aims to create safe space for women in soccer
One man’s passion for soccer is helping to uplift his community.
Tsakani – Soccer enthusiast Alex Bottoman (36) founded the Phuthaditshaba Community Foundation Ladies (PCF). As a former player, Bottoman started the club after arm and leg injuries ended his soccer career.
“It was not an easy adjustment because I still wanted to play, but it got difficult,” said Bottoman.
He played for the Friends FC in Geluksdal and had stints at Wits University and Moroka Swallows FC developments.
“My injuries changed my career trajectory. I still desired to be part of something that would uplift myself and my community,” Bottoman added.
That is when he joined loveLife as a school mpintshi (delivering loveLife programmes to schools). Because of his commitment to the cause, he worked up to becoming a loveLife groundBreaker.
“That is how I was exposed to ladies’ soccer. I knew about Home Sweepers in Kwa-Thema but never saw other soccer teams with just ladies. I wanted to bring that to our community,” Bottoman said.
He started hosting tournaments that included ladies’ soccer teams in Ekurhuleni. Bottoman said coaches Mkhonza Mkhonzana and Malombo Moyo inspired him.
“He was always a jovial child, but we noticed that, among other things, he really loved soccer. He played at primary school, and that opened more doors,” said his mom, Mapule Bottoman, who is extremely proud of her son.
“I also love sports, so he might have gotten that from me. I will support him in all his pursuits,” Mapule added.
His father, Charles Maphanga, shared her sentiments, “His love for soccer was always evident, and I knew he would do well. I hope his club gets the funds so that they can grow and pay the girls something for their efforts,” said Maphanga, also a former soccer player.
The PCF Ladies was established in 2018.
“I only had one female player then, and she was willing to play with the boys. I knew I wanted to create a safe space for females,” explained Bottoman.
In 2021, the PCF broke into the top eight of the Kick-Off Ekurhuleni Women’s Regional League and finished the league in second place the following year.
Now, the team has more than 40 female players.
“We have done well since, and the players always bring their best effort. I know they can do even better moving forward,” he added.
Bottoman hopes to get help from the community and private businesses, “We do not have a kit or soccer boots. We struggle a lot with training equipment, including soccer balls. I want the girls to have uniforms so they all look the same.
“We also need food because I can shout as a coach, only to find out the player is hungry and cannot even focus on the field,” he said.
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