A group of Grannies in Limpopo are taking a stand against Taboo’s and living active, healthy and fulfilling lifestyles. They are the Soccer Grannies…
Rebecca Ntsanwisi, a social worker in Limpopo, started the Soccer Grannies in 2003 after seeing the need for a therapeutic release among the elderly woman. The grannies are aged between 55 and 84.
It all began by doing aerobics as a way to stay fit and active.
By chance they started kicking around a soccer ball and immediately it became the preferred activity and past time for the grannies of Limpopo.
“The village grannies “Vhakegula Vhakegula” lace up their soccer boots and start kicking their way through centuries of taboos. They play serious soccer then break into laughter and traditional song as they wage a singular fight for a decent life, true health and a snatch at joy in a brutal world.”
“Dealing with their own stories of abuse, poverty & neglect these women come together on the soccer pitch for their weekly dose of therapy- both emotional & physical and to celebrate being alive.”
The Limpopo team has inspired teams to start all over South Africa with more than 40 informal settlements creating their very own teams. The movement has even made its way into Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Rebecca Ntsanwisi, also known as Mama Beka, has the ultimate goal to have an international soccer league which she hopes will lead to the formation of the Soccer World Cup for the Elderly or Africa Grannies Cup.
“There is a heightened sense of excitement as the grannies get ready for their bi-annual friendly soccer match whereby they will play against one of the local teams in a nearby village. The competition brings in some impressive soccer playing that has the grannies scoring in some goals. But as the whistle goes signaling the end of the match, it is the camaraderie and the fierce determination of these women and Mama Beka that ultimately shines through.”
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