POLOKWANE – After noticing that township and rural soccer tournaments mainly cater to senior teams, aspiring female coach Dimakatso Mokgomme, known as ‘Lady Cassper,’ took the initiative to host an u/14 boys soccer tournament in Moletjie, Ga-Rankuwe.

Sixteen teams competed for medals and cash prizes in what she hopes will become an annual competition, providing young players with a platform to showcase their talent.

Beyond organising tournaments, Lady Cassper has the founded Lady Cassper Football Club (FC), which includes u/14 and u/17 boys teams. Her mission is to fight crime, curb substance abuse, and encourage young people to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle.

“Many young people are drawn into crime and drugs because of a lack of activities in their communities. Through sport, I want to create a safe and positive environment,” she said.

For the tournament, teams paid an affiliation fee of R250. The champions took home R2 000, gold medals, and a trophy, while the runners-up won R1 000, silver medals, and a trophy. The third and fourth-place teams received bronze medals, a trophy, and cash prizes of R600 and R400.

To make the event possible, former professional footballer Tlou Gautrain Segolela donated medals, soccer balls and trophies. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture also supported her efforts by providing soccer balls, tracksuits and an award recognising her as the first young female coach to organise a soccer tournament in rural villages.

Lady Cassper, a former primary school soccer player, couldn’t pursue her football career in high school due to a lack of sports programmes. Today, she dreams of expanding her tournaments, developing a PSL team, and proving that sport isn’t just meant for men.

“I was inspired by former Ria Stars coach Ria Ledwaba to start soccer teams. I hope more women will step up and establish teams in different sporting codes,” she said.

Her future goals include studying media and sports coaching science, becoming a professional coach, and inspiring young people in Limpopo to use their talents for a better future.

Mokgomme grew up in a family that loved and still loves to watch soccer, and that’s when she developed a love for the sport, the process as well.

“I want to host regular tournaments and call on businesses to support me financially to make this dream a reality.”