In an attempt to improve the health conditions of elders and to help them fight chronic diseases associated with their old age, a number of elderly women formed football clubs to keep them active.
Zodwa Mabunda, the coach of Eyethu Lempilo (this life is ours) Gogos and Mamas club in Pienaar says the club’s aim is to help elders fight illnesses such as high blood pressure, arthritis, colds and flu.
The gogos team consists of members from 60 years upwards, while the mamas team is made up of women aged 35 to 50. Mabunda states that the teams seek to reduce the chances of unemployed women falling pregnant, as they are being kept busy and get home tired. Mabunda adds that they want to form a vibrant team which will play against women football stars, such as Flamingos, in the province.
Recently the gogos teams from Mpakeni, Luphisi and Pienaar showed what they were made of during a five-kilometre fun walk and sports day organised by God’s Grace Ministries in partnership with Nomanini Guest House.
“We wholly support such events because we still love and need the wisdom of our elders in the community. We promote a healthy lifestyle, which includes spiritual health,” says Richard Mkasi, the sponsor of the fun day.
“We hope the department of sports and culture will support such initiatives as they bring change in the community and improve the lifespan or our elders,” he adds.
Participants speak out:
Gogo Sophie Ngonyama (98), “Although I didn’t take part in the race, I enjoyed walking and catching up with other grannies of my age,” she says.
Gogo Sofi Nkosi (84), “I walked slowly with my walking stick, although I didn’t reach the finish line, I am happy I participated in this walk. It brings back many memories, such as the time we walked against the pass laws with other women in 1956, although this one was a peaceful one. I loved it,” she says.
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