Clapham Ladies’ coach calls for girls’ football to be given equal chance

Clapham Ladies’ team head coach Mathopo Mpho Machaba, speaking at the Achievers’ Parade on October 2 hosted by local NGO, Kool 2B South African called for more to be done to promote women’s football, especially in the townships.

“Women’s football in our country is still growing. I think the effort they are putting into men’s football they should also put into women’s football, have more leagues and cup competitions like the boys, starting from the grassroots level,” Machaba said.

“Also launch school women’s football leagues, so ladies can get a chance to play at school as much as possible. Ladies don’t have any teams they can play for in the townships they come from. So the same opportunities given to the boys must be given to the girls also. Give a girl a chance.

“The future of our Banyana Banyana national team is here, with the young ladies at our schools and communities, so let’s nurture talent from a young age and our national team will be strong and compete better in the coming years,” he said.

In late July, Machaba led the Clapham Ladies’ team to their first school tournament win, when the u.17s and u.19s competed against four other schools in the Eduplex Compex tournament on July 29 and won.

The team also plays in high-level leagues like the Sasol League and Hollywood Bets League.

The Kool 2B South African Achievers Parade was held to close off Heritage Month and honour locals who go above and beyond.

“We were celebrating those who are flying our flag high. We were teaching our girls and others who were there about South Africa’s heritage and our symbols because as a South African, you should know your heritage,” Machaba said.

Stakeholders donated a yellowwood tree (the national tree) to Ditsong National Museum of Natural History and joined in a parade near the museum.

Kool 2B South African founder, Khaya “Kool” Seoketsa said: “The Clapham Ladies are a prime example of the pride of our heritage. All South Africans performing exceptionally well should be flying our national flag high with excellence and pride. The achievers will be responsible for watering the tree, as it is a symbol of their greatness and patriotism.”

Machaba hoped the parade celebration and earlier tournament win would inspire the girls to pursue whatever they chose with vigour and determination.

“Just know that you’re the future of Banyana Banyana and the future of women’s football in South Africa. Never give up, your time to play professionally is coming. Keep on working,” he said.

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