Soccer kits boost morale of elderly women’s team in Vhembe
A football club for elderly women in Vhembe received a major kit donation to promote health, dignity, and pride in sport.
Quick read:
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Phalaphala FM, in partnership with Lepelle Northern Water, donated 52 full soccer kits to Fhatani Dzwerani Old Crocks Football Club.
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The donation is part of Phalaphala FM’s 60th anniversary celebrations and Lepelle’s Community Social Investment programme.
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The club was formed in 2002 to keep elderly women active and currently has over 50 members.
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Kits include jerseys, socks, boots, shin guards, and soccer balls.
- The club’s director and members expressed deep gratitude, noting improved health and morale.
- The club hopes to grow its membership and represent the region beyond South Africa.
- Full story below
Full story:
LIMPOPO – As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Phalaphala FM in partnership with Lepelle Northern Water, donated a full set of soccer kits to the Fhatani Dzwerani Old Crocks Football Club last Wednesday.
The club, established in 2002, aims to keep elderly women active and healthy through sport. It currently has over 50 members, all of whom are senior women from the Dzwerani community.
Phalaphala FM programme manager, Sharon Ravele, said the initiative was part of a year-long celebration of the station’s six decades of broadcasting.
“We are proud to support such an inspiring initiative, where elderly women are actively participating in sport.
“This donation includes 52 full soccer kits complete with boots, socks, balls, shin guards and jerseys.
“These grannies are showing us that age is just a number and that staying active is important at any stage of life.”
She said that Phalaphala FM plans to continue celebrating its milestone birthday with similar community-focused projects throughout the year.
Lepelle Northern Water’s strategy and planning manager, Norman Nokeri, said the donation formed part of the organisation’s Community Social Investment programme.
“After receiving a request from the club’s director, Takalani Rasivhaga, we felt compelled to support this positive effort.
“These women are promoting healthy living, and their wisdom is invaluable to the youth. It is fitting to partner with Phalaphala FM during their 60th birthday year to support such a meaningful cause.”
Club director Rasivhaga expressed gratitude for the support.
“We are deeply thankful to Lepelle Northern Water and Phalaphala FM. Our grannies used to play soccer without proper kits. This donation boosts their morale and gives them dignity. We hope they will now play with pride and even represent the Vhembe district beyond South Africa,” he said.
One of the team members, 75-year-old Mariam ‘Waga Waga’ Mathobo, told how the club has improved their quality of life.
“Many of us used to struggle with health problems, but now, because we exercise and play regularly, we’re healthier. I look and feel younger. We’re calling on more grannies to join us so they too can benefit,” she said.
