Giyani female soccer player turns referee

LIMPOPO – At 38, Molly Chauke is proving that the love for football doesn’t have to end with hanging up your boots. A former player for Mninginisi Brave Ladies FC, a team known for lifting the Greater Giyani Mayor’s Cup trophy multiple times, Molly has now stepped into a new chapter in the game as a referee.

“What started as just playing football turned into a deep passion,” she explains. “When my time as a player came to an end, I realised I wasn’t ready to walk away from the game. That’s when I began asking around about how to become a referee.” With determination, Molly followed the advice she received, completed the required steps, and was eventually accepted into the officiating space.

Her first game as a referee was, in her own words, “not that good,” but she didn’t let that discourage her. “I built on my mistakes and learned the ropes as I went along.”

As a woman in a male-dominated field, Molly acknowledges the unique challenges she’s faced.

“One difficult moment was when I had to attend to a male player who had his scrotum kicked during a game. I wasn’t sure how to handle the situation at first, but I’ve since learned how to deal with such scenarios.”

Despite the challenges, she says her experience has been mostly positive. “I’ve never been beaten or attacked by any players. They respect my decisions, and I always strive to be fair.” She adds that even when she’s made mistakes, as all referees do from time to time, people have understood that referees are humans too.

To women aspiring to join the world of refereeing, Molly offered words of encouragement, saying there was nothing to be afraid of. “Don’t be intimidated by male dominance or fear of being attacked. No player will beat you if you remain fair and professional,” she said.

Currently officiating under the Giyani Local Football Association, Molly has set her sights on even bigger goals. “I’m working hard to grow in this career, and I hope to one day referee in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). I believe the door will open up for me if I keep putting in the effort.”

Molly’s journey from player to referee is more than just a personal transformation, it’s a powerful message to all women that the football field has space for everyone, regardless of the role they choose to pursue. “You just need to do what you believe you’re good at,” she added.