LEBOHANG – Ms Julia Mthombeni is one of the few women soccer team owners and coaches.
Both her teams were founded six months ago and are doing well in the Inkunzi isematholeni Soccer League.
They reached the qualifying round.
Ms Mthombeni from Young Stars Football Clubs, said she has always loved soccer and went to stadiums to watch Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates play.
“What encouraged me to begin the soccer teams, was not only my passion for soccer, but also to ensure that children are kept busy through sports.
“I approached them and their parents and the feedback was good,” said Ms Mthombeni who launched her two teams with 39 players.
She has an U/13 and an U/15 team.
Ms Mthombeni has 24 active players who practice regularly.
When asked what happened to the other players, she said not all children have a passion for soccer and they drop out along the way.
She said players should be disciplined and if they are absent, they should have a valid reason.
“I currently do not have a sponsor and I bought all the equipment out of my own pocket, including the soccer balls and a kit.”
She gained her coaching skills by spending time watching soccer on television and local soccer teams playing.
“I always have individual talks with my players to make sure they do not have other issues troubling them.
“If a player has problems, whether at home or at school, they cannot concentrate on their game,” said Ms Mthombeni who further mentioned that should she identify a problem, she informs the parents of the child.
Besides focusing on soccer, she also encourages her players to do their homework and house chores before they go to soccer practice.
Mr Jacob Mtakwende, a soccer team owner, said Ms Mthombeni is a brave woman whose teams compete with other teams owned by men.
“Today her team claimed victory against my team in the penalties,” said Mr Mtakwende.
Ms Mthombeni’s son, Sibusiso also plays for her team.
Her future plans include taking her team to the next level and she also wants parents to see progress in their children.
She aims to be the first woman in the Govan Mbeki Municipality to qualify for the Premier Soccer League in the future.
