The 2020 Sasol League season remains on hold as South Africa continues to practice social distancing.
This has left new addition Diepkloof Ladies hopeful to compete in the league when the time is right.
Now in its 11th year, the league has helped unleash the talent of young women footballers nationwide such as Gauteng’s Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk, founder of Bedfordview team JVW Football Club and Sasol League favourite.
With the ongoing lockdown, it is uncertain when football players will be able to compete, however Gauteng’s new Sasol League team from Diepkloof Soweto is preparing for the recommencement of football.
The Diepkloof Ladies team, led by Peter Mafa ‘coach Chansa’, is one of the many Sasol League teams staying active and motivated during lockdown.
“It is unfortunate we had to stop playing as we were looking forward to our first season in the Sasol League, but we have to play our part and follow lockdown regulations,” said Mafa.
As a team, Mafa said they frequently hold online group sessions where they engage in conversation and share exercise routines.
“We do this to motivate each other, keeping our minds on the greater prize, as our aim is to come back stronger and better.”
Established in 2011, the team consists of 50 players between the ages of 13 and 23.
The team was promoted to the Sasol League for the first time in late 2019.
“It was like an out of body experience. After so many attempts trying to open the door we finally went through and it was truly rewarding.”
It is not clear when football will resume, yet Mafa is confident the team will be prepared no matter what happens.
“We hope to pick up where we left off as we were doing fairly well in the league. If we can break through to the top eight that would be great, but being in the top three also wouldn’t hurt. We only hope for positive results once we get back onto the field,” said Mafa.
Sport is a key contributor to positive change in many South African communities but Mafa admits football has earned the girls some respect within the township.
“A lot of these girls have managed to shift their focus from the negative pressure around them as living in the townships has its own challenges. As a team we face many challenges but the support from parents has really helped and contributed positively towards our growth.”This team has the hunger to achieve great things,” said Mafa.
