Banyana’s world cup success a game changer for women’s sport
The Polokwane Review approached girls in sport from Capricorn High School, Noorderland High School and PEPPS to find out whether the success of Banyana Banyana will open more doors of opportunity for sportswomen in South Africa.
POLOKWANE – Banyana Banyana made history at the Fifa Women’s World Cup with a 3-2 win against Italy. Not only was the win South Africa’s first World Cup win, Banyana Banyana also became the first South African team to reach the knockout stage for the very first time.
The win was met with great excitement and reverence from the country and signified a change is women’s sport.
The Polokwane Review approached girls in sport from Capricorn High School, Noorderland High School and PEPPS to find out whether the success of Banyana Banyana will open more doors of opportunity for sportswomen in South Africa.
Mogau Morifi (Noorderland High School): I do think their win will open more doors for women in sport because Banyana Banyana have conquered a big challenge. As of now, other countries are also paying attention and with that, the doors are open for them to be signed by international clubs.Resego Tlagadi (PEPPS): Definitely. It is inspirational. They are laying a solid foundation to show that women are capable of achieving great things just like their male counterparts.Maleka Mokgohloa (Capricorn High School): Banyana Banyana has made history in South Africa. This has inspired many women in the country and across the world. There have shown that there is no such thing as a girls or boys sport. When women are given an opportunity, they will perfect it. Their performance has also shown us that with the right dedication, they can reap what they sow. The sports governing bodies have no choice but to acknowledge women in sport.Fikile Majola (Noorderland High Schoo)l: Yes, for sure. As a soccer player, we all start somewhere and there are some players that are still in the streets without opportunities. As women, this win will open more opportunities because people will see the potential that women have. Having that opportunity will open up the sports industry for more women who are interested in sport on a professional level.Mancha Sebone (PEPPS): Yes. People will start taking women’s sport seriously now because Banyana Banyana has shown that women are great. They have changed the mindset around women in sport.Tetelo Mojapelo (Capricorn High School): Yes, because it is creating a shift in people’s perception of women’s sport. This win gives us something to celebrate and gives young girls people to look up to. They faced challenges but overcame and came up victorious, they have to be taken seriously going forward. It’s a win for all women and this breakthrough will create opportunities for women.For more breaking news follow us on FacebookTwitter Instagram or join our WhatsApp group
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon. – Tom Stoppard
