TS Galaxy lady player leads by example captain, juggles football, motherhood and being a professional teacher

The 34-year-old Hlobisile Chauke, standout goalie and captain of TS Galaxy Ladies, is not only a marvel to watch, but an inspiration to other young women, especially those within the sporting fraternity.

Chauke began playing football at a very young age and played semi-pro football while pursuing her tertiary education with Tshwane University of Technology’s Soshanguve Campus.
“My recognition in this fraternity was greatly enhanced by my involvement on the TUT Women’s team in 2010. They had better facilities than we did back home, which allowed me to advance as a top notch goalie. I was the team’s goalkeeper and I was awarded the season’s best player in 2010,” she said.

“I joined the Mzinti Ladies Football Club in 2013, and in 2014 it changed to Nkomazi Ladies Football Club, until TS Galaxy president, Tim Sukazi, purchased the team in 2021 to bring back rural football and allow women a chance to show off their talent. I was given the skipper role and the team was dubbed TS Galaxy Ladies,” she said.

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Galaxy Ladies are currently participating in the Sasol League and Chauke said they have their sight set on the Hollywoodbets Super League.

“We lost in the national play-offs last year, but we are moving closer to the Hollywoodbets Super League with each day,” she continued.
With just two games left before the season is over, Galaxy Ladies are first on the log.”

As I become older, my ambition is to leave this team when they are competing in the top level so that sport can grow in our rural areas. In contrast to what we are experiencing here, I want the TS girls of the future to play better football and in appropriate stadiums. I’m pushing for change in women’s football,” she added.

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She concluded by saying that it’s not easy juggling football, motherhood and teaching all at the same time.
“Although the journey has not been simple, my love for all I am doing is what motivates me to continue. Teaching takes a lot of effort and preparation, just like football, where the fact that I’m the captain gives me additional responsibility.

The pillar that supports and sustains me is the support I get from my family. Being a teacher and a football player, in my opinion, serves as inspiration to other young girls,” she concluded.