Two firmly stand behind ladies football club

Twice a week you will find them at Rabie Ridge Sports Stadium – a group of young women doing what they love, playing soccer.

Akwardly known as Kempton Park Ladies Football Club, the players were scouted in Tembisa and neighbouring townships by the two co-founders, Joe Masilela and Neo Motsamai.

The partnership was formed two years ago when Motsamai (27) quit playing for Sharp Shooters Football Club in Daveyton.

Since then the pair has groomed a team that has played in the Local Football Association League, Absa League, provincial Sasol League and the Premier Soccer League.

More than just an opportunity to play soccer, Masilela also provides the girls on his team with emotional and, at times, financial support.

He lives a simple life with his wife and four children. After matric he worked as a packer at Woolworths for 10 years before becoming a junior manager, a position he worked in for 15 years.

Today, he works as a manager at Builder’s Warehouse, a position he has held for 12 years. He says he pays for some of his team’s expenses from his salary.

“It did cause tension with my wife, but now she is our biggest supporter,” he laughed.

Right wing Sizanda Komane (23) attests to his support.

“Even if we come from poor homes, no one can tell. Our transport is organised and we are provided with food, fruit and water at matches,” she said.

Komane is one of Masilela’s prized players, whose talent has taken her to play for Sundowns, owned by businessman Patrice Motsepe.

Precious Mashomeng (20) from Rustenburg plays striker. She moved to Johannesburg to study psychology and Masilela helps her with accommodation and some living expenses.

He said his passion for women’s football started when he volunteered at Sharp Shooters, where he met Motsamai.

“I was touched by the circumstances of these young women. They are talented but they had no resources. They would borrow a soccer ball from affluent teams. I decided to buy them four soccer balls and provided them with oranges at matches. They were so grateful for the gesture.”

The team didn’t survive and Masilela and Motsamai started their own team. What was a four-year plan to get the team into the Sasol League, was achieved in less than a year.

When Masilela talks about his team, there’s a spark in his eye, the passion shines through.

Today they have seven women playing in the national league.

His biggest challenge is finances. The team costs roughly R20 000 a month and getting funding on a monthly basis is touch and go.

“Our major expenses are transport, registering for games, paying for referees, grounds for matches and medical costs. Some girls are injured during games and we need to take care of them,” he said.

“Some would come to practice or a match without having eaten, so food is important.”

Masilela has also started a women’s football team in rural Mpumalanga, his home of origin.

“I have now provided these girls with balls, a kit and soccer boots.”

Motsamai also runs a development team, teach teenage players from schools and runs a men’s football team.

“It can be intimidating training men, but I know I’m good at what I do. I’m a player-coach. If someone can’t play a game, I make sure I’m fit enough to stand in,” she added.

South Africa needs heroes young people can look up to. And these two are a beacon of hope to young women with a passion for football.