Gaelic football team off to Bangkok
The team hopes to find a place in Tembisa where they can train once a week.
By Mokgethi Maleka
Despite all that is happening around our townships, there is an elite group of players that meet every Sunday morning to train and play Gaelic football at Wanderers Stadium.
The majority of these players reside in Alexandra, Midrand and Tembisa.
Gaelic South Africa teams will take part in the 2018 Fexco Asian Gaelic Games in Bangkok. The teams depart on Thursday (today) and are expected back on November 19.
Gaelic South Africa was established in 2010 by a group of Irish and English immigrants who wished to introduce and develop the sport in South Africa.
“We are very happy with the development and passion within the group,” outlined Gaelic SA secretary, Derek McCarthy.
“It is fun and interesting to be part of Gaelic as there are lots of opportunities to travel and be athletic,” said Mavis Mkhize from Rabie Ridge.
Said team coach Greg Heraty: “The squad of women and men are trailblazers for South Africa and Africa at large.”
He further outlined that fund-raising seemed to be a major challenge for players as the game is not known locally.
The team is mostly challenged by the lack of a suitable field around Tembisa where they could train instead of travelling to Wanderers.
“It would be appreciated if we could find a well-cared-for venue like Mehlareng Stadium to train once a week because the majority of players are based in Tembisa and Rabie Ridge,” responded Luyanda Njotini, who is a coordinator of the junior programme in Tembisa.
Women’s team: Koketso Chipu, Lebo Maekela, Mamothibi Nkambulo, Mavis Mkhize, Mokgethi Maleka, Promise Mashala, Selaelo Ragati, Vuyo Mkhabela, Winnie Mahasha and Winny Maile.
Men’s team: Benefit Baloyi, Bheki Khumalo, Charles Radingona, Denmark Baloyi, Scelo Mhlongo, Tebogo Mongemoratho, Thabiso Phakedi, Thando Dlamini, Tshepiso Mogapi, Tshukudu Moagi and Tumisang Leacwe.
