BOPHELONG.- Pulane Pule (27) is destined to follow in the footsteps of Ria Ledwaba who was one of the few women to own a football club that campaigned in top-flight football.

Pule has established a football club called Bastrata FC in Muvhango in an attempt to keep youngsters away from crime. The club is part of the junior teams that will participate in the Emfuleni Local Football Association (ELFA).

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport during the festival games that are underway at Cecil Oldridge Park Sports ground in Vanderbijpark, Pule said there is a lot of talent in the area that has gone wasted either in crime or drugs.

“I started this team last year because I was aware that most of these youngsters were idling, doing nothing, especially during the school holidays. I want to help the youngsters but I don’t know how what I know is that I want to see them become something in life instead of rotting in jail. I enjoy working with these youngsters and with my very helpful assistant coach,” said Pule.

However, Pule told Sedibeng Ster Sport that their challenge is a lack of playing and training equipment in the form of soccer kits, bibs, and soccer balls to mention but a few. She is asking the community, especially business people to come on board and assist the team.

The club has three divisions, namely u/11, u13, and u/15.

Apart from being a club owner, Pule is also a match official. She was officiating some festival games that are underway at Cecil Oldridge Park Sports Ground.