The rise of women’s football in Soweto
Women's football is slowly sewing its way into the hearts of many in Soweto, and indeed the rest of the country.
Previously, a sport sidelined and constantly over-shined by their male counterparts, the sport of women’s football is slowly sewing its way into the hearts of many in Soweto, and indeed the rest of the country.
This rapid growth in popularity is, in large part credit to the Banyana Banyana team, which has established is self as a household name and a source of pride for all South Africans. The ladies in green and gold have rarely failed to impress. Banyana Banyana boasts a staggering 7 Cosafa cups in the trophy cabinet. Clinching the most recent title undefeated in September was further proof of South Africa’s dominance over African women’s football.
Banyana’s popularity at the international level has had a cross over effect locally, effectively, Banyana has inspired a new generation of young players even in the local scene. For proof, look no further than the SASOL Women’s League, young players like Ayesha Moosa who flies in Soweto Fabulous colors, and Matsie Makwea, for Diepkloof Ladies are overwhelming evidence that there is indeed talent in the league and that the sport is growing. SWL clashes between the two teams have begun to draw somewhat of a crowd at the Nike Football Training Center in Klipspruit, Soweto.
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Kliptown Rockets coach, Masalesa Mohale said he hoped that more would be invested in the league in the development of young women’s football.
“There is progress,” he said.
“But the progress is far too slow. We have been debating about it for ages, everyone says things are improving but not enough is being invested into the sport.”
Mohale also criticized the lack of support for the women’s national team
“I mean you look at Banyana Banyana and what they have achieved in the last few years and you see and they have been incredible, but still to this day they are not paid as well as the male players. You look at our national women’s league and it is a mess, so you have to ask yourself if there really is change happening?”
SAFA is under intense pressure from the public and some political parties – such as the EFF to pay the Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana teams equally.
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