Alex’s young aspirant female footballers may see their dreams materialise through a selfless effort originating from the township.
Unlike their male counterparts, talented girls are discouraged to participate in the sport due to limited support and professional female football role models.
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Alex born Simphiwe Dludlu aka Shorty, a prolific player and captain of Banyana Banyana during her playing days is hoping to change this through The Simphiwe Dludlu Foundation. She launched the foundation recently at the NPO, Football for Hope fields at Altrec Sports Centre at a time when her history-making exploits as coach will see her U17 women’s national team play in the 2018 Women’s World Cup in Chile. Her foundation will be a launching pad for the nation’s future prospective soccer players for the national women’s teams.
Dludlu told guests at the event that the initiative derived from her desire to contribute to the growth of women’s football in the country and to sustain young girls’ dreams of becoming professional footballers.
“The foundation will help the girls see the bigger picture of life even in their difficult circumstances, minimise teenage pregnancy, create awareness and educate them on HIV and Aids and other challenges which will derail progress in their lives,” she said.
Despite her tough upbringing, Shorty said she didn’t let obstacles and challenges curtail her dreams or define her journey. In addition to a head coach, she is also a top analyst on SuperSport TV, a role that adds value in mentoring and encouraging disadvantaged female footballers in the game.
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The initiative is a milestone she hopes will spur others to contribute to developing and grooming tomorrow’s female football stars.
Some guests donated sanitary pads, notepads, soccer boots and footballs.
Details: info@thesimphiwedludlufoundation.org
