Socioeconomic factors and pre-historic issues in South Africa have resulted in many communities having very little to no resources. From basics like food and transport for kids to go to school to sports equipment and programmes at schools. While in certain areas government does try to close the gap, Non-profit organisations have had to step up and introduce sports programmes to keep the kids in townships and rural areas out of the streets. One of them being Falcon Social C -Section Africa.
Falcon Social C -Section Africa better known as FSCSA is a non- profit company that “utilises variety of social methodologies to develop and uplift disadvantaged communities in Southern Africa. We use the power Sports to positively impact young Girls.”
With August being women’s month in the country, many NPOs like FSCSA hosted some tournaments for young girls. On the 9th of August, Women’s Day, FSCSA hosted the Nomhle Girls League tournament in Mthatha. The tournament involved girls in age group between 10 -15 years with two divisions an under 13 and under 15.
With how our economy is set up, tournaments like these will be key in not only giving kids in under privileged communities activities to take part in but they can help unearth the next Thembi Kgatlana or Bongi Msomi.
Lonwabo Nkohla spoke to Program Director at the NPO, Buyani Roger Skade, to find out more about their work and the Women’s Day tournament.
Tell us more about the Nomhle Girls League and when it was established?
The Organisation was established in 2020, however due to COVID19, we only manage to start operating in 2023.
What inspired the founder to start such a tournament?
The dream started in 1995 when I was 9 years old, the first Banyana Banyana match I watched against Nigeria and Banyana lost the match 7-1 with the likes of Sis Sibongile Khumalo, coach Desiree Ellis, Fikile Sithole. Since than Cobras Ladies and Young Rovers ladies teams were formed. I instantly became involved. However there were only 3 teams in the whole West Coast region and the ladies gave up. In 2004 in Philippi Cape Town we formed FC Porto and I formed the ladies team. We registered at the SAFA-Cape Town office. In 2007 I was a volunteer at Soccer4Hope, which facilitated Sports clinics around Cape Town. In 2008 I was a staff member together with the team, we established the Soccer4Hope girls league. We grew from 4 teams to 16 teams in six months in Gugulethu, Philippi, Nyanga and Crossroads. I managed these zone. Whilst my colleagues managed The Great Khayelitsha Phase 1, 2 and 3. during this period the likes of Noxolo Cesane, Sinoxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni, Lelona Daweti to name few players that participated in the Soccer4Hope League. At this stage these girls were between 9 -10 years of age at Lwazi Primary school.
Which age groups feature in the tournament?
The age group is 10 -15 years with two divisions an under 13 and under 15.
Tell us about the impact of the tournament on helping girls in the community of Mthatha?
The organisation has a huge impact on the lives of young girls in the region. Mthatha is a peri-urban area with lots of challenges, by introducing the girls to sports at an early age increases their chances of making informed decisions on their sporting career and life in general. We develop young girls intentionally to widen the scope of life, as there are careers in sports and a child may become a bread winner through sports, on and off the field.
What are some of the issues that you deal in with in preparing for this tournament and to keep it running?
Challenges we facing at this moment is that the organisation is not funded and transportation, food for participants, training equipment and playing kits is a major challenge.
Girls from townships and rural areas deal with a lot of socio-economic issues, what are some of the challenges they face?
Socio-economic challenges, girls comes from the most hopeless situations, we deal with situations beyond our control, abduction of young girls for marriage, drug and substance abuse is on the rise in young girls, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and lack of role modelling.
Which team won the tournament this year?
The Nomhle Women’s Day tournament staged on the 9th August 2023 was won by Ngangelizwe Ladies
What else would you like to achieve as the tournament grows?
I would like to see the League grow from strength to strength. Since we only operate in Mthatha. We would like to see the organisation grow and be able to facilitate Nomhle Provincial weeks for junior teams where the “Abantwana” (SA U17) are selected to represent SA. Similar strategy to what SARugby is employing to ensure quality development is addressed not window dressing. It can be done and it will be done. #2031 our World Cup year (Winners)
Any future stars that we need to look out for?
Mili from Ayakha Stars Ladies (Mamjiji)
Elona from BK Falcons Ladies (Teko)
Othandwayo from BK Falcons Ladies
Isivile from Ngangelizwe Ladies
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