Ivory Park woman uses sport to keep children safe
This selfless mother of two often uses her own pocket money to buy food for the players and to pay for transport.
An Ivory Park senior resident, Maria Makopo (62), is using sport to remove children of Ivory Park, Extension Seven from the streets.
Makopo is breeding excellence in the lives of over 40 children. She spends her days with them at the Mahlangu Sport Grounds.
She formed Maria Young Stars Football Club in 2013 with the help of Patrick Maswanganyi and Khehla among other members, who help her train the boys in football.
Makopo told The Tembisan that in most instances, she struggles to pay for transport and food when the boys have to play ‘away’ games.
“When I started I did not have a jersey for the boys. I could only afford a ball for our first step. However, today we own two jerseys because we won tournaments. My boys have so much love and passion for the sport. That’s why they never complained at first when we played without a jersey. We played for the love of football,” said Makopo.
Maria Young Stars is divided into three categories, namely the u-13, u-15 and u-17 teams.
The football club practises every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school hours at the Mahlangu Sports Grounds.
“We are appealing to parents and community members to support the club so it can grow. All we need is a Good Samaritan or any business person to sponsor the team’s outings or to help us buy our soccer kit. We need parents to come and watch their children when they play. This will give them more courage and determination,” added Makopo.
She added that her primary objective is to produce professional football players who will put their community on the map.
“I want to push hard so that I can see my players being scouted in professional development teams. And I am hoping to reach my goals because I am making sure that the boys play for almost all soccer tournaments held around Gauteng. We have currently won four trophies, gold medals and two jerseys in tournaments we played in and around the township,” explains Makopo.
This selfless mother of two often uses her own pocket money to buy food for the players and to pay for transport.
“I love children and every time I am surrounded by these young people I feel blessed. It might seem small to those who do not know how to make a difference in the lives of another person. I am enjoying every moment I spend with the children. They are my motivation in life and make me see life in a different way. We spent time walking and running together on the field and I sometimes join them when they play so that I keep fit,” continued Makopo.
Makopo said young people and youth of Ivory Park struggle with the temptation of drugs and alcohol and she is hoping that sport will enable them to view life in a positive way. “We are currently preparing for December tournaments, Pick’n Pay Unity Games and for the Philly’s Games. We are hoping to make it and affiliate,” said Makopo.
Maria Young Stars FC is currently playing under the Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA) league.
For any information concerning the football club, contact Maria Makopo at 071 116 4218 or Patrick Maswanganyi at 078 911 4467.
