You would have sworn that Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns were playing against the Phefeni Glamour Boys, Kaizer Chiefs, at the weekend at Eldorado Park Ext 9 Stadium.
There were squeaks of delight, loud applause and appreciative whistles as the City of Johannesburg’s Sports and Recreation Directorate hosted a girls’ soccer Game in Region G on Sunday, 15 May 2022, and girls aged under-17 competed.
The soccer game was created to empower young girls and to break down gender stereotypes. The event targeted the Eldorado Park community, as well as other surrounding areas, to combat drug and substance abuse, crime, and violence among youth.
One of the local community members Patricia Peters said: “Our youth have far too much free time on their hands, which leads to boredom. This boredom leads to behavior that eventually leads to criminal activity.”
“As a parent, I strongly encourage my children to participate in sports because they can significantly improve their physical and psychological health,” she added.
With the winter season approaching, autumn was a little friendlier on Sunday, presenting sunny weather and clear blue skies, as Region G pulled out all the stops to organise the game, which was a fantastic opportunity for girls to showcase their talent.
The day was filled with goals galore.
“Football has always been a way to express myself, challenge myself, and learn more about the world around me. Soccer has always been there for me, and it is now my passion to give everything I have in order to be the best version of myself,” said one of the young players from Colechester Ladies Soccer Team.
“The soccer game was a huge success,” said Sellwane Sibiya, one of the event coordinators. “All credit goes to the Region G Sport and Recreation outreach team for delivering the programme in such a professional and well-coordinated manner.”
“We are grateful to Eldorado Park Local Football Association and Love Life for their support; events like these games demonstrate that gender does not preclude one from becoming what they want to be; at the end of the day, it all comes down to applying oneself in whatever he or she is doing,” she concluded.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
16/05/2022