Mayberry Park pensioner aspires to establish her own football team

At age 67, Lindi Phoku still goes above and beyond to keep fit.

She has added football to her long list of interests. She has broken boundaries by competing in road races as a runner throughout the country despite being an elderly person.

Phoku told the RECORD she wants to inspire other health fanatics to realise the sky is the limit.

The Mayberry Park resident started running during First National Bank’s company relay run in the early ’90s while in her mid-40s.

She eventually decided to join the running club belonging to Scaw Metals Group.

“As a runner I took part in local competitions and highly contested races which included Soweto Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon. My achievement has always been able to complete all my road races in record time,” she said.

In 2006, Phoku decided to take her love for running to the next stage. She became one of a few South Africans to take part in New York City Marathon, where she hoisted SA’s flag.

“In my journey of being a runner, I often took part in long distance races, such as 31 and 42km. After having a wonderful experience in the states, I decided to go back in 2016 and again in 2018. I ran my last race in 2019 during the Soweto Marathon,” she said.

Growing up she has always been passionate about keeping fit and living a healthy lifestyle.

During her leisure time, the pensioner, who holds a diploma in aerobics, goes to the gym or mostly spends her time on hiking trails.

“I take part in these strenuous activities simply because I want to be healthy and to also avoid having chronic diseases. I want to encourage the elderly to keep fit, which will help keep their minds active. This will also help slow the process of ageing,” said Phoku.

She is also looking at focusing on football and to hopefully establish her own soccer team which will cater for elderly women.