Local girl pursues her soccer dream

Monica Jojo is a regular face at local soccer tournaments but she is definitely not a mere spectator.

This Tembisa woman impresses many male club owners with her knowledge of the sport and the management skill she displays in her own club.

“I love soccer. I used to play while growing up. I never played with dolls. I was always in the company of boys playing soccer,” she said.

Monica, who hails from Mount Fletcher, said while at school she took part in a variety of sports.

“I also did karate and athletics but I loved soccer more. I used to train with my two brothers and one of them had a soccer club. When he was short of players he would call me onto the field,” said Monica.

The former midfielder had a dream of playing for the national team one day and as a result she served both in township teams and in the school’s team. She said her talent was scouted by teachers from visiting schools.

“While girls were mingling with their peers I would be playing soccer with the big boys. That is where some of the teachers opted to give me a chance to take part in their teams,” said Monica.

“Since then I never looked back. One of my teachers was against me playing the sport but I pushed on. In my first game in a school tournament, many people were shocked to see a girl who played in a boys team,” she said.

She said this encouraged her to work harder.

Lack of opportunities did not deter this staunch lover of the game – after completing her matric, Monica moved to Cape Town in search of a job.

“In Cape Town I stopped playing for a while as I was working, but I went to watch matches until I partnered with someone to start my own team,” she said

When she lost her job she had to move to Johannesburg and even though it was hard, she had to leave her team. Despite this, she was sure the team would have a bright future in the hands of her partner.

“In Tembisa I joined Classic as a coach. I used to watch them playing and during their talk sessions I would give my advice and that is where they noticed my knowledge of the sport,” said Monica.

She was then asked to join and head the upper echelon of their technical team as a coach.

Being inspired by women who own their own teams led to Monica starting her own Tembisa team called Mo-stars.

“When I shared my intentions of starting my own team many young people were interested and asked to join my team,” said Monica.

“I love my team because the boys respect me and they toe the line. They don’t undermine me just because I am a woman.”

She said her dream is to hone their talent and create professional players.

“This year I’m aiming for the Philly’s tournament. Nay-sayers doubt my success and some approach my players, offering them money to leave my club and join other clubs. That does not shake me as I am hell-bent on being the best,” said Monica.

In the eight months since Mo-stars FC has been in existence, it has won six tournaments and the players aim to win more.

“Our secret for winning is training hard and the dedication we show in our games. My final destination is playing in the PSL.”

Monica wants to be remembered as a woman who dedicated her life to developing young people in impoverished communities.

“To my fellow club owners, I want to say this is not about money. It is about developing and nurturing talent ekasi.”

She said she is also looking for sponsors to make her dream come true.

Anyone who would like to join Mo-stars FC can contact Monica on 081 494 4753.