Fran Hilton-Smith needs to be inducted in the ‘Hall of Fame’
"I was getting involved in the time when women football was not taken serious and I had to convince people that women football has a future in South African football."
SEDIBENG.- Former Banyana Banyana and SAFA Technical Director, Fran Hilton-Smith is one of the women who need to be acknowledged for their contribution in the development of women in South Africa.
With the country celebrating Women’s Month, Sedibeng Ster Sport, looks at the contribution made by Hilton-Smith not only in the women football but football in general.
Her name needs to be decorated in the Hall of Fame for her contribution in South African football.
She was the first women to be at the helm of Banyana-Banyana as the first coach when the country was re-admited in the international sporting arena.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Hilton-Smith reflected back to when women football was not taken serious. She said it was not easy for her because women football was not popular by then.
“I was getting involved in the time when women football was not taken serious and I had to convince people that women football has a future in South African football. I was everything apart from being a coach of Banyana-Banyana. I was doing everything looking for sponsorship for the team. I was and still am passionate about women football. I spent my entire life in football trying all my best to improve the standard of women in South Africa. I toured the world because of football and I’m greatful for what I have achieved in my entire life in football”, said Hilton-Smith.
Hilton-Smith was appointed as SAFA Technical Director because of her vast experience locally and internationally. She has since retired as a SAFA administrator.
