It has been said that women’s soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In the United States of America alone, more than two million women play the game competitively.
Even on the African continent, the talent is immense. So much so, that the Africans have become a serious force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, the inability of South Africa to establish a strong, competitive league has hampered the progress of the game for women. The need for a professional league totally outweighs the demand, and Banyana Banyana coach, Augustine Makalakalane agrees.
“I hope that the pressures the media, me and other people behind closed doors have put will eventually materialize,” said Makalakalane.
“I have heard that there is something cooking, but I have been hearing that for five years already. We have to just hope because if it doesn’t happen then we will be in total shambles.”
Now that the rumours are confirmed, and Vodacom are no longer the main sponsors of women’s soccer, one can’t help but wonder where the game is going in South Africa. Makalakalane says that “The Vodacom system did work”.
“But someone now has to come in and replace Vodacom firstly and added to that, a professional league should be formulated. So the Vodacom league will be the first division, a feeder league to the professional league that should be formed.”
Furthermore, Makalakalane says: “We then have to go back to the schools and the girls must start playing the game from primary school. But we are not organized as yet and teachers must still be given introductory courses so they can assist the girls.”
“For a country like South Africa, where the passion for soccer is deeply rooted in all aspects, it has to be said that it is disappointing, to say the least.
“Progression is part of growth, but it seems as though every time we take a few steps forward, we take five back,” he continued.
Makalakalane says that implementation should take place nationally.
“It should not only be Gauteng and Pretoria that benefit from whatever will be implemented. Everyone should be included.
“Take the Motsepe tournament for example; the kids are prepared to play. So if that is done nationally the outcomes and response will be good. Things like that should not just happen in selected regions.”
Take nothing away from Vodacom or the current powers that be, who are working tiresomely to do what they can to make a few dreams come true.
The game is loved by many and surely everyone should be given a fair chance, especially with the talent that South Africa has. If the needed resources were made available to the girls, the results would probably be astounding.
Makalakalane says he loves the quality that women bring to the game.
“I love the femininity that women bring to the game. They are in tune with what they want when compared to boys. When you tell a girl what her weaknesses are, she works at it. That’s why I need to see the game played by women, which is all I want.”
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