During the winter youth games tournament in Lufhereng recently we met up with two elderly mamas who are keen players of the beautiful game, Sibongile Maseko and Mmogo Makhakhe. Gogo Sibongile a former member and co-founder of G-Lovers FC in Greenvillage, mentions that they have established a new gogo’s soccer side named Ratanang Grannies FC where she lives in the Lufhereng location. They have also included numerous sporting activities that accommodate other elderly ladies so as to keep them busy instead of being couch potatoes sitting at home idle minded which may affect their mental health.
They have a training routine each Monday morning which comprises of jogging and assembling at a sport field for gym heat exercises including aerobics. The running culminates in them participating in short distance marathons. It’s remarkable that in their seventies, they also participate in the Soweto marathon. Then on Tuesdays and Wednesday they come together for soccer practice, while others get involved in a variety of games. Their challenge is that they are not being recognised and therefore they keen on launching their football club. Gogo Sibongile appeals that they need soccer kits, boots and accessories. They have since affiliated their club with the “One for all” gogo’s football association and play friendly matches challenging other teams.
They are ecstatic that they will be participating in a tournament organised by the One for all league this coming September. They enjoy being independent although they seek assistance with someone who can man their administration duties. The councillor office has since organised training grounds for them and sponsored with 2 soccer balls for gogo’s to enjoy their developed sporting passion. The elderly ladies playing skills are such a delight to watch! They can be contacted on 060 246 5718
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
