From senior citizens to super citizens
By forming a soccer team and an athletic team, these senior citizens are proving that they may be old but they are still golden.
The senior citizens from the Eagles Football Club are out to prove that age is nothing but a number, because they are still active in sports and being recognised for their efforts.
Earlier this year, 20 elderly women got together to form the club. They’re trained by 54-year-old Georgina Paulson. The team has been going strong, training during the morning, four days a week, and now they plan to compete in matches with other football teams.
“I decided to coach these elderly women because I enjoy soccer,” Georgina told the News. She says that she also coaches pupils when she has time but enjoys her work with the elderly because they never complain.
“They come to practice no matter what, even when they are not feeling well they show up. It is very obvious that they are passionate about the game.”
The team was established with the aim of encouraging senior citizens to participate in sports for health purposes.
“It feels great to be a part of this soccer team because I get to keep healthy and exercise,” said 70-year-old Theresa Mohlare.
Not to be outdone, the men are also keeping fit. “Most elders are at home, taking care of their grandchildren, but with this movement we want to say to them, grandchildren should be looked after by their parents, come and get fit and have fun with us,” said 64-year-old Joseph Kgang, who is a 400 metre sprinter.
Joseph, Fanie Molokele (76), Charles Dibedi (73) and the rose among the thorns, 79-year-old Florah Munjedzi are representing the West Rand and Gauteng Province at the National Golden Games for the Elderly which, according to Joseph, will take place on 20 October.
Florah has no problems with being the only woman in the running team.
“I have been a runner for 11 years and it is something that I partook in from a young age. I have competed locally, regionally and I have a few gold medals to show for it,” she told the News.
Her colleagues say that they appreciate running as more than just a form of exercise.
“Running is simple, cheap and it is something that can be done individually, because you don’t need a coach to run,” Charles said. The group say that through running they have formed friendships with each other, they avoid stress and loneliness and they get to travel throughout the country without spending a lot of money.
These senior citizens have vowed not to give up their sports, proving that age is an issue of mind over matter.
