Meet soccer grannies!

Published Nov 19, 2011

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Last June Emily Moeti, 72, swallowed pills in a bid to boost her ailing body and reduce her high blood pressure.

Now 17 months later the granny, who’s dubbed “Jabu Pule” by her peers, is as fit as a fiddle thanks to her new passion - soccer.

She is one of 32 players at Tsogang Basadi Football Club in Tembisa, east of Joburg.

Tsogang Basadi (rise up women) was established in July last year by football enthusiast and local coach Kenneth Sithagu.

The team consists of women over the age of 40, with the eldest player being 75.

“I was inspired to form Tsogang Basadi FC after seeing elderly women from Tzaneen playing soccer,” Sithagu said during a training session this week.

His main goal is to preach the gospel of health and wellness.

“When I met these women some of them were suffering from diabetes while others complained of arthritis, back pains and pains associated with their knee operations.

“I knew exercise was the best medicine for them. They have now become extremely agile and tenacious in their methods of playing,” he said.

The grannies are so impressive with their dribbling skills and tackles that they attract spectators, young and old, every morning during training sessions at the dusty Makhulong sports grounds.

You’ll hear Sithagu shouting “This side, Scooter; that way Jomo. Attack, Gogo!” from the sidelines between 6.30am and 8am, followed by laughter and clapping hands.

 

 

Moeti said she was ecstatic at no longer having to spend hours on end in hospital.

“I no longer sleep the entire day. I don’t worry about my blood pressure any more. I’m much more flexible. I walk long distances. I enjoy being alive. I now live for my children and grandchildren,” she said.

 

Fellow soccer player Elizabeth Mankga,75, said she too, joined the soccer team as a way of improving her health.

“My grandchild convinced me to come here. Although I don’t compete during friendly matches because of my knees, it an absolute pleasure to stand on the sidelines and cheer my teammates on,” said Mankga.

Pupil Amanda Mkhubeni said she was amazed by the grannies’ dedication. “I’m going to ask my grandmother to join them next year.”

The women used their pension money to buy their first soccer jerseys but hope to find a sponsor to get them new tracksuits for winter.

 

“Without exercise we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Mankga said. “We encourage all elderly women to join running groups or take up some form of exercise. It does wonders for one’s body, mind and soul,” Mankga said.

The team trains five days a week and rests on weekends. So far they have won eight games - but they are are short of soccer boots, soccer balls and proper kit.

The team is preparing for a 16 Days of Activism soccer match soon and needs support from sponsors.

l Anyone who wishes to help the Tsogang Basadi FC can contact Kenneth on 078 656 8583. - Saturday Star

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