St Peter’s learners inspired by Banyana Banyana

PAULSHOF – Aspiring young football players from St Peter's Girls Prep spent the afternoon with the South African women's football team.

March 15, 2020

Khomotso Makgabutlane 2 minutes read

Some Banyana Banyana players with the girls of St Peter's Girls Prep. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

There was pandemonium at St Peter’s Girls Prep School when Banyana Banyana players came to their school grounds for a light training session in which the school girls could get involved.

About 50 learners gathered on the Newlands field on 4 March with their tablets and books in hand, ready to get an autograph and photo with the players. Sports coaches at the school encouraged the learners to sing Shosholoza as loudly as they could. As soon as the national team’s bus arrived and players stepped off, deafening screams could be heard.

Head coach Desiree Ellis with two learners from St Peter’s Girls Prep. *Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane*

Headmaster of St Peter’s Prep, Darrel Webb explained that through a parent’s affiliation with the South African Football Association (SAFA) they arranged for the national team to visit the school.

Lebogang Mabatle poses with a staff member and learners from St Peter’s Girls Prep. *Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane*

“We wanted to bring in a reason for our young girls to be interested in football, and get the girls involved in the sport. Initially, we wanted to have a number of other schools come through, but we ran out of time as the team confirmed to come yesterday [3 March].”

A Banyana Banyana player gathers the ball during a warm-up mini-game.Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

As the afternoon went on, the young girls went to every player and coaching staff member possible for a photograph or signature on their boots and balls. Some parents even joined in and took pictures of their daughters with the players.

Head coach Desiree Ellis was at the school as well, as she also took photos with the young girls.

Director of sports, Andrew Steyn had organised for soccer to be introduced at St Peter’s Prep as he noticed the sport was not available when he started at the school in 2019. “Coming into an all-girls’ school where they only played traditional girls’ sports, football was a glaring opportunity, since it is one of, if not, the fastest growing sport for girls in the world.”

The Banyana Banyana ladies warming up before an afternoon of activities with the learners of St Peter’s Girls Prep. *Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane*

He also said the trials at the end of last year had a massive turnout at their informal training sessions, and seeing the girls’ massive interest in the sport prompted the introduction of a football specialist to develop the programme at the school.

“We are continuing to build on this, and the next step is to get the girls to take part in football fixtures.”