Kwa-Thema – Nompumelelo Nkosi is a player for Young Achievers United Ladies who started playing soccer in 2022 when she was in Grade Eight.
She said all the opportunities that came with being a soccer player motivated her passion for soccer, saying there is a future for her in the sport.
“It is an enjoyable sport that brings people together in a beautiful way. I love being around people and bonding with different personalities. Soccer brings me closer to that as well,” she said.
She added soccer keeps her occupied and off the streets, citing it provides her with a will to succeed.
“A lot of my peers do drugs, drink alcohol, attend pubs or clubs and that results in poor decisions. Being a soccer player keeps me away from that and makes me look forward to weekends of sporting games,” she said.
Nkosi said she dedicates all her weekdays after school to soccer practice to sharpen her skills on the field.
She further mentioned she is beyond grateful to have such an understanding coach who continuously motivates them and provides them with information that leads to opportunities.
“Our coach has taught us one can balance school and football because both these activities are educational. The coach is patient and always gives us the proper direction for everything,” she said.
Nkosi received an opportunity to play for the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) ladies’ team at the beginning of the next season. She cited that she was nervous yet thankful to get this opportunity.
“I appreciate this opportunity. Soccer takes me places, and this opportunity will open doors for me. I am also grateful for the support I receive at home, especially from my mom. She sees a future for me in soccer, and it pleases me,” she added.
She says she receives a lot of negativity from people who do not understand that ladies can also play soccer, highlighting she learnt not to take those comments personally. Her team coach Lazarus Malatji said for all the years he has known Nkosi, she has always been a good player.
“She started playing inside as a middle fielder but as her coach, I saw potential in her as a goalkeeper. Over the years, she has improved and has advanced her skills significantly. I always tell her that to me, she is the second-best goalkeeper in the whole of Ekurhuleni,” said Malatji.
He added he always encourages her to believe in herself and has also shown her other players who started where she is and have built a name for themselves.
“Playing for the TUT ladies’ team is a big step for her, but it will allow her to adjust. It will furthermore allow her to learn things at a higher level. She will also have access to proper education and opportunities,” Malatji added.
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