Football’s future is bright

SOME of the leading figures in women’s football in South Africa have hailed the impact of the Future Champions Gauteng project and the platform that it provides for young girls to develop their football careers.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and national team vice-captain Refiloe Jane, who was a Future Players Talent Search winner in 2009, believe the future of the women’s game is strong, aided by these kinds of initiatives.

The Future Champions Gauteng has focused on girls and women’s development since its inception through the Future Players and Future Coaches programmes. The inclusion of an under17 girls’ tournament in 2018 widened the platform for girls’ participation, which has been enhanced for this year’s competition.

The final between Safa Johannesburg and Dr BW Vilakazi Secondary School was played at the International Tournament on March 30 at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto.

It followed some intense action at the Future Champions Gauteng Cup.

“I have been very excited about the quality of the girls’ football,” Ellis said. “It is possible that we have a few players here for our girls’ national Under-17 side Bantwana. Compared to last year, you can really see that the girls have gone away and worked really hard on improving. That gives us coaches the opportunity to look for talent.”

Jane said her life was changed by the Future Players Gauteng Talent Search.

“The Future Players Gauteng Talent Search changed my life because when I won a trip to England in 2009, I had the opportunity to train with Manchester City Ladies and Everton Ladies, and that showed me just what it takes to be a professional,” the Canberra United midfielder says.

But it is not just the players who benefit. Christa Kgamphe won the Future Coaches Gauteng in 2016 and had her eyes opened by the experience of travelling to Spain to study how football is coached in that country.

“It has given me the opportunity to learn and grow, not just domestically, but internationally as well.”

Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Faith Mazibuko said; “It is indeed exciting times to see and realise the growth of women’s football and the impact on young girls. As Gauteng we have committed ourselves to growing not only women football but Women’s Sport in general.”