SUCCESSFUL KICK-OFF FOR SHE-BOBO

BY GASANT ABARDER

IT WAS A SCORCHING DAY in October last year when 280 junior girl soccer players took to the turf at the University of the Western Cape Sports Stadium in an historic first-of-its-kind football festival exclusively for girls.

IT WAS ALSO NEW TERRAIN for a university. We don’t often host events with this particular age group in such large numbers. It was a steep learning curve and the focus quickly went from football to a scramble to keep the girls hydrated as the heat took its toll. The girls impressed and put on a fantastic show for the very vocal crowd who came to the inaugural She-Bobo at UWC football festival on 24 October.

TEN TEAMS BATTLED IT OUT in each of the under-8 and under-10 sections of the festival and there were goals galore, terrific saves and some slick skills on display.

WHY WAS A UNIVERSITY HOSTING A JUNIOR GIRLS’ FOOTBALL FESTIVAL? Firstly, it was a shame that a country with aspirations to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 did not have a competitive stage for junior girls at this age in the Western Cape.

Secondly, it was not for lack of trying by the community clubs but the clubs simply don’t have enough resources and space to accommodate this growing women’s code. UWC did, hence we created a platform that takes the burden away from community soccer clubs and provides the participating girls with transport, fields of play, kits and meals. Off the pitch, UWC has also partnered with the British Council and English Premier League’s Premier Skills programme to coach the club coaches. enjoyed an afternoon of sport and fun.

IT WAS HEARTENING too to see big corporates buy into the idea. Apex Business Systems (run by alumnus Freddy Greaver) provided playing kits for the festival and the next two seasons, Nando’s Athlone provided meals for all the players and coaches, woman-owned Fieka Sports was the kit manufacturer, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages kept the girls hydrated, and African Community Media, Kfm and Soccer Laduma made the young girls household names.

THE UWC STAFF AND ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS brought their trademark grit and sweat to the effort to make the day a rip-roaring success.

From this year, She-Bobo at UWC will take on a league format that will run over a few weeks to give the girls in these age groups regular competition while also endeavouring to provide life skills to the players and everyone involved with the game. We want to grow this league so that older girls can compete in a league of their own.

THE BIGGER PICTURE is served by providing the young girls with a taste of university life at UWC and exposure to the UWC brand. The girls can now imagine studying for a career and playing top-level football at a university that has become a hub of excellence in women’s football. The pages of past editions of Blue and Gold have been filled with the exploits of our senior women’s team in the Hollywoodbets Super League and the Varsity Football competition as well as the inclusion of several players in the national side. More than half of the Banyana Banyana side that won the Women’s African Cup of Nations last year have a connection to UWC.

WE AIM TO PRODUCE a new cohort of young South African women leaders in their area of study, using football as a vehicle. If they go on to represent South Africa as professional footballers it is a bonus. It is a winwin with She-Bobo at UWC being the game changer.

WE HOPE OTHER UNIVERSITIES take on UWC’s blueprint and create a system where junior girls’ football enjoys maximum prominence and attention.

GASANT ABARDER is the Media and Marketing Manager of the University of the Western Cape. He was the tournament coordinator for the inaugural She-Bobo at UWC football festival.