Gogos enjoy soccer matches
Golden Oldies FC and Zola Community FC showed their skills.
IF there is anything that any soccer coach in South Africa needs to find out from the code of soccer, he has to listen to the Gogos of soccer.
Golden Oldies Football Club and Zola Community Football Club had a face-off to improve their skills to represent Gauteng at the Golden Oldies invitational annual tournament for the elderly in Durban.
The two clubs were given an opportunity to improve their odds to achieve their dreams when Betway South Africa donated a set of playing kits and training equipment to the two clubs in Johannesburg.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk.
In an exciting exhibition match played at the Zola Sports Complex in Soweto, the two elderly sides showed no signs of ageing when they played out to an exciting 1-1 draw to the enjoyment of the community. The exhibition match was facilitated by Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis and served as preparations for the Golden Oldies tournament for the elderly.
The Golden Oldies, one of the most popular football clubs for the elderly was established in 2014 by founder and club captain Sibongile Mazibuko. Popularly known as “Makhekhe” when she has the ball on her feet, Mazibuko founded the club with an aim to assist the elderly to lead a healthy and active lifestyle and enjoy the game they all love so much. At the age of 59, Mazibuko leads a squad of elderly women between the ages of 55 and 70 who participate on a bi-weekly basis in a local league facilitated by the Soweto Football Association (SFA).
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk.
Speaking after the exhibition match, Mark Rowles, head of marketing Betway Africa, said they were humbled to be involved in such a heart-warming community initiative which will go a long way in community upliftment.
“As Betway, we take pride in playing such a pivotal role in the community. While our core focus is on professional online sports betting, it is equally important for us to go back to our communities and lend a helping hand to the communities we operate in. We believe in making a positive impact in the areas of sports upliftment. We wish them the best of luck in Durban and urge them to continue the great work they are doing,” said Rowles.
In addition to the playing kits and training equipment, Betway donated a cheque of R30 000 to help the team with their preparations and logistics for the Durban tournament, a gesture that was well received by the Golden Oldies founder.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank Betway South Africa for this wonderful sponsorship that will certainly go a long way in encouraging us to continue playing football. Since starting this club, a lot of illnesses have been reduced as a result of us being regularly active. This has also greatly reduced our medical expenses and such donations will help us continue leading a healthy lifestyle,” said Mazibuko.
To follow the Golden Oldies during their Durban competition make sure to use the #BetwayGogos hashtag on social media.
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