POLOKWANE – “I grew up in a family that loved and still loves to watch soccer, so I developed a love for the sport, the process as well. My grandmother, who I stay with now, is a huge soccer fan. I joined a soccer team in primary school and the rest is history,” she said.
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When she got to high school, Dimakatso realised she needed to pass her skills and talent on to younger individuals in the community and this led her to start her own team.
“Through my soccer club I train and I want to create future soccer legends,” she added.
She attended Seetla Primary School and is currently completing Gr 12 at Mochedi High School. After matric she plans to study sports management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
In her club, Dimakatso has about 30 soccer players. She had to relocate and stay with her grandmother to be closer to school and also focus on her soccer club.
“Regardless of the fact that I’m a girl, my family is very supportive of the career I want to pursue. My mom was happy when I told her I want to be a soccer coach because it’s what I love doing.”
Dimakatso told BONUS she mentors passionate players in her area where she gives them hope that their dreams will come true one day, encouraging them to never lose hope.
Staying with her grandmother who helps and assists her financially, Dimakatso is very grateful for her support.
She plans to host a soccer tournament this year from 16 to 30 December in Moletji and invites anyone who is passionate about soccer, girls or boys, to join her soccer club.
“I have a unique soccer team because it is mixed gender,” Dimakatso said.
I’ve gone through horrific stories while asking for sponsorship. Some of the people wanted personal favours from me but I told myself that if I want to be an example and a role model, I can’t do stupid things. I believe as individuals we must work hard to get where we want to be,” she said. One of the most important things Dimakatso wants to prove with her soccer club is that girls can also excel in sports
She is asking for sponsors to come on board to make her planned tournament a success, whether sponsors from government, businesses or individuals. She needs sponsors for soccer kits, medals, trophies, gazebos and bottled water or anything that will assist the players.
For more information or to be a sponsor, send Dimakatso an e-mail at dimakatso2choene@gmail.com or follow her on her Facebook: Dimakatso Ramphele.
