Kempton Park Ladies FC aims to take football to another level

Kempton Park Ladies FC has risen against all odds to become a force to be reckoned with in women’s soccer.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including funding struggles and lack of resources, the team has persevered, driven by their desire to empower women and make a difference in their community.

The club was founded by Johannes Masilela, chairperson of the club, and coach Neo Motsamai in 2017 to help women in Kempton Park, Daveyton and Thembisa develop their soccer talent.

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“We want our women to get promoted to bigger teams, play for the national and international teams, make a living out of soccer and change their lives for the better,” said Masilela.

“We are a unique women’s soccer team because we participate in all SAFA Women’s leagues except the Hollywood Super League but we are working towards it.”

Masilela said the club has players aged from 10 to 36 years old.

The club’s U14 and U16 teams play in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), Regional League and the Sasol League.

“We are hoping for game promotion to the Hollywood Super League. Our Sasol team is second on the log. We are self-funded teams based in the community. Many people take women’s soccer lightly which makes it hard to get the necessary resources.

“We almost sold the team to someone from Pretoria earlier this year because we were not coping.”

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Almost 100 women depend on the club for support and development.

Masilela added that the club needed sponsorships to sustain the club.

“We need soccer equipment such as tracksuits, soccer balls, boots, kit, bibs, cones, first aid kits, shin guards and gloves,” said Masilela.

“Our teams are also in need of a soccer field to accommodate the four teams as well as transport to games and training and refreshments.”

Masilela said most players come from disadvantaged families and they often come to training and games without having eaten a meal.

“We plead with businesses to assist us with food and refreshments for our players and a school that could help us with a field.”

Masilela said league players usually play four games every weekend.

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The Kempton Park Ladies FC has qualified and passionate coaches who are ready to make a difference in the lives of players.

In 2021, the club won the Engen National Champion of Champions Tournament.

“More than 15 players were promoted because of the win. Two players joined Sundown Ladies FC where they got better deals and travelled internationally.”

Additionally, two players received a call-up to the Basesane U20 national squad, while Samkelisiwe Serena and Dineo were called up to join Banyana Banyana.

Masilela said the club aims to continue developing young women.

“Kempton Park Ladies FC has shown consistent progress since its establishment and it has continued to help women in Daveyton, Thembisa and Kempton Park.”

For more information contact Johannes Masilela on 071 148 4075 or coach Neo Motsamai on 060 472 0857.