Welcome Old Crocks Kathorus FC
Health and fitness enthusiast Lindi Phoku finally followed through with her dream to own a soccer club for senior citizens.
Phoku, a 67-year-old from Mayberry Park, started Old Crock Kathorus (OCK) FC after her plan to start the club was interrupted by the pandemic early last year.
The Katlehong-based squad aims to help elderly citizens around Kathorus to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the beautiful game. They train at Skhumbuzo Sport Grounds in Katlehong from Tuesday to Thursday from 3pm to 5pm.
They held their first training session on February 23.
Phoku said the motive is to keep senior citizens healthy. She aims to get the elderly residents out of their houses to exercise, keep their bodies in shape and compete with other clubs.
“As most of us are sitting at home because of Covid-19, I thought it would be great for us senior citizens to have a soccer team to keep us busy and help us stay healthy. This will also inspire the youth to participate in sports.
“We are determined to play soccer. We want to compete with local clubs and grow to challenge clubs around South Africa and the world at large,” said Phoku.
OCK FC head coach Azania Moloi said although he does not have coaching experience, his love for sports didn’t allow him to resist the offer to coach the club.
He will lead the team alongside his assistant coach, Tshepo Radebe, who brings field experience, having played in the Vodacom League which is now known as the ABC Motsepe League.
“This will have a positive impact on players’ health. We want our players to know that we came to have fun and play soccer,” said Moloi.
Kathorus MAIL spoke to some of the OCK players who grew up playing sports and stopped at a later stage because of lack of resources.
Thoko Mngomezulu said she used to play soccer at school before she got drawn into netball and basketball but had to stop when she moved from Transkei to Johannesburg after her mother died. She described the training sessions as stress therapy, adding that once she is surrounded by teammates she forgets all her problems and enjoy.
Sisiwe Njilol said she played for Eleven Express in the 1960s, she left the team along with other players when they felt the team was low-spirited and lacked morale.
How to join
The club is looking for more players to join. For information on how to join contact Phoku on 084 402 1128.
Donations
OCK needs your support to realise the senior citizens’ dream. They need balls, boots, training kits, a first-aid kit and transport to attend games. To assist the club contact Phoku on 084 402 1128.
