Gamalakhe United Football Club recently formed a women’s team, to develop female youth players and to keep them off the streets.
One of the oldest soccer clubs on the South Coast, it is currently under the chairmanship of Mzwandile Mkhwanazi, a former player.
The ladies’ team was formed on August 9, in commemoration of Women’s Day. The club’s manager Mpume Mbono said the idea for the team came about during the Women’s Soccer World Cup, as the focus is usually on men’s soccer.
Mbono said the women’s team has joined the Ray Nkonyeni Soccer League and has played two games so far, which they lost. However, the games were the first for the team, which is still a work in progress.
“The team currently has no captain and at each game we appoint a temporary captain. We are still trying to get to know the players and their parents. We aim to have relationships with the parents too, so that they can be assured that the players are in safe hands during training or at matches.”
“We plan to announce a captain at our official launch for the players and their parents, “said Mbono.
He said the aim is for players to get encouragement from their parents, as well as the team management, to balance sports and school.
“The team is currently being coached by a development team player of Gamalakhe United, We are also trying to groom the players to become coaches. Our goals are to see the team compete and ensure that our female soccer players are well taken care of, especially after seeing how Banyana-Bayana performed at the World Cup,” Mbono explained.
He said the goal for the club is to have male and female teams in various sports codes, and they believe this can be achieved in the next 10 years.
“Our aim is to unite the youth and community of Gamalakhe through sports just like in the times of Gamalakhe veteran, Dr TB Molefe a few years ago.”
Mbono said females interested in joining the ladies’ team, from age eight, are welcome to join.
For more information contact Mbono on 071 238 0922.
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