In a vibrant display of energy and enthusiasm, a group of pensioners took to the football pitch at Entabeni Sports Ground in Zola, Soweto, showcasing their impressive skills and teamwork. The Golden Oldies, led by 69-year-old captain Sibongile Nkosi, were among the teams that brought the crowds to their feet with their fancy footwork and dedication to the sport. Nkosi's journey to football began in 2015 when her mother introduced her to an aerobics class, which turned out to be a group of grannies with a passion for football.
Nkosi's family was initially skeptical about her new hobby, urging her to focus on enjoying her pension. However, her perseverance and love for the game eventually won them over. Today, Nkosi proudly claims that she can touch her toes and calves, a feat that not many grannies her age can accomplish. Her teammate, 72-year-old Gogo MaNkosi, also credits football with improving her health and fitness. MaNkosi, the eldest player on the field, says that joining the team has been a God-given blessing, allowing her to stay active and mobile despite her age.
For Nakie Masenya, 63, football is about finding happiness and leaving everyday worries behind. A former athlete, Masenya joined the Mamelodi Sundowns Gogos, a team that was formed just eight months ago, and has been enjoying every moment of it. Her husband, a Sundowns fan, is her biggest supporter, and Masenya says that she doesn't let fear or negative thoughts hold her back from playing. With Jones Adams, a Sundowns legend, as their coach, the team is making great strides and having a fantastic time.
Busisiwe Sibiya, 64, a goalkeeper for the Dobsie Grannies in Dobsonville, is another passionate player who has loved football since childhood. Although opportunities for women to play football were limited when she was younger, Sibiya turned to netball instead. However, she says that joining the Diski Gogos has helped her improve her fitness, stamina, and blood circulation, while also keeping her mentally active. The team's camaraderie and banter are also an essential part of the experience, with Sibiya often laughing about the goals she failed to save.
The Diski Gogos league has its own set of cheerleaders, including Busisiwe Nkwanyana, who adds to the atmosphere with her ululating. Beyond being a hobby, Nkwanyana sees older women taking part in sport as a way to build friendships while keeping active. Babalwa Nhlapo, founder and director of Diski Gogos, says that the league aims to give older women a platform to showcase their talent and celebrate their abilities. Nhlapo encourages older women to get involved in physical activities, even if football is not their preferred sport.
The impact of the Diski Gogos extends beyond the football pitch, with some players reporting improved health and reduced reliance on medication. Others have found companionship and a sense of purpose through the league. For the players, the tournament is about much more than winning a trophy; it's an opportunity to celebrate their abilities, friendships, and the freedom to keep doing what they love. As the league continues to grow, the Diski Gogos hope to attract sponsors to help them travel overseas and compete in international leagues.
As the Diski Gogos look to the future, they are clear about their goals: to stay healthy, have fun, and prove that getting older doesn't mean giving up on life. With their passion, energy, and dedication, it's clear that these pensioners are an inspiration to people of all ages. The league's success is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together and transcend age barriers.
Key points
- The Diski Gogos league provides a platform for older women to showcase their talent, build friendships, and stay active.
- The league has a positive impact on the players' physical and mental health, with some reporting improved fitness and reduced reliance on medication.
- The Diski Gogos hope to attract sponsors to help them travel overseas and compete in international leagues.
