Today, February 1, 2023, is National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a day to celebrate the achievements of female athletes, highlight the impact of sports involvement on women and girls, and recognize the success and ongoing struggle for equality for women in sports.
To commemorate this occasion, Mamelodi Sundowns visited the Central Sport Grounds in Mamelodi and gave away close to one hundred football boots and twenty-seven soccer balls to young women from the local community. The Chairman of the Club, Tlhopi Motsepe, the Sundowns Ladies team, club executives, and Boots For Africa were there.
Andisiwe Mgcoyi, who currently coaches the female Under-15 team, expressed her delight at being a part of the club’s commemorative efforts.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the club’s strategy to give more ladies the chance to play the wonderful game. As a coach, I enjoy being among young women, and activities such as this offer me great satisfaction. I am a strong proponent of the growth of sports among young girls since it helps to build their self-esteem and overall mental health. Andisiwe stated, “I hope that more young girls will participate in sports so they can reap the physical, mental, and social benefits of the game.”
Since its beginning in 1987, the day has been celebrated to promote and highlight girls’ and women’s engagement in sports, as well as to tear down gender barriers and stereotypes in sports.
Lerato Kgasago highlighted the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day to her personally and praised the woman who inspired her to pursue football.
“I always look forward to this day because it emphasizes the significance of women’s participation in sports. Young girls can develop self-assurance, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment in a secure and encouraging atmosphere provided by football. As a professional, it brings me great pleasure to encourage and inspire younger women to participate in the beautiful game. Portia Modise (Banyana Banyana legend) was someone I looked up to as a child because she was a technically skilled player,” said Lerato.
Captain Zanele Nhlapho’s greatest desire for girls and women in athletics is that they receive more respect, recognition, and opportunity. I hope that the popularity of girls’ and women’s sports will continue to rise, both domestically and internationally, and that more young girls and women will be encouraged to participate in sports. I also hope that more girls and women will assume leadership positions in athletics, and that they will be afforded the same possibilities as their male colleagues. Finally, I hope that more funding and resources will be allocated to girls’ and women’s sports so that they have the same access to equipment, facilities, and coaching as men.”
National Girls and Women in Sports Day demonstrates Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club’s commitment to supporting and encouraging young girls and women in sports. We are devoted to fostering equal opportunities and providing a safe and supportive atmosphere in which girls and women can join, enjoy, and grow in sports at our club.
Happy National Day for Girls and Women in Sport!
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