Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, and one of her assistants, Simphiwe Dludlu, recently attended a football tournament under the banner of VW Train 4 Life initiative.
Both are ambassadors of the vehicle manufacturing company, along with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies captain, Zanele Nhlapho.
The VW Train 4 Life initiative is an education and sports programme which features an U15 girls’ football tournament and a comprehensive life skills programme designed to empower and upskill Grade 8 female learners.
It is aimed at unlocking the potential of young women and encourage them to aspire to greatness.
The programme is a partnership between Volkswagen and the Department of Basic Education.
Among other things, it featured various engaging sessions, including road safety workshops conducted by the VW Advanced Driving Team, self-defence courses, discussions on female hygiene and menstruation, and a motivational talk by Nhlapho, who was in familiar surroundings as she was born and bred in Tembisa.
The defender has been going around the area delivering inspiring speeches at all the participating schools.
The early stages of the VW Train 4 Life U15 Girls football tournament took place in 10 secondary schools and showcased the talents of 140 girls from those institutions of learning.
A total of 31 matches were played, resulting in an impressive 57 goals scored and over 1 240 minutes of play.
“We are proud to witness the impact that VW Train 4 Life has had on these young women. Beyond just a game of football soccer or a lecture, this initiative has equipped them with the tools, skills and inspiration they need to dream big and realise their ambitions,“ said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.
“Volkswagen remains committed to empowering young girls and fostering their personal growth through the VW Train 4 Life initiative. By combining sports, education and life skills, Volkswagen aims to create a brighter future for these aspiring young women.”
Over the past 10 weeks, the programme has provided support to more than 7 125 Grade 8 female learners.
The final phase of the football tournament, to conclude the program, was held recently at the Rabie Ridge Stadium, with the remaining four schools playing two games – one was for third and fourth place, and the other for the championship.
Maputha Secondary School claimed gold after winning the final.
“What we are gathered here for is not just about football on the field, but also off it – hence it’s called VW Train 4 Life. There are life-skills programs involved that will help athletes as they go through life. On the field we saw some great skills – some of them you can’t really see the potential right away, but who knows, they might someday be in the U17 or U20 national teams,” said Dludlu a former Banyana Banyana defender and captain, and now a television football analyst.
“I am excited to be here in Tembisa because this is where I grew up and I know exactly what this project means to the community. Thank you to VW for bringing such an initiative because this is where it all starts and this is where you get the raw talent.”
Ellis shared the same sentiments, and gave this advice.
“We never had the opportunity that you girls are having now – I used to play with boys because there were no girls teams. When I was playing for the national team, 99% of the players were unemployed, it was only three of us that had a job, and I even lost that job playing for the national team, leaving me out of work for three years. Today, our women players have one or more degrees, and some are still studying through bursaries they got by playing football and that is what you must aspire for,” said Ellis, who is a reigning CAF African Woman Coach of the Year (she has won it three times in a row).
“Remember that being here is not just about football, it’s also about life skills, to make you a well-rounded individual. The fact is not all of you are going to make it in football, so you have to have something to hold on to – which is education, and no one can take that away from you. All of us have a God-given talent and you might find that it is not in football, so when you find it, pursue it with everything you have. Every one of us has a dream, make sure no one lives that dream but you. Thanks to VW for this great initiative.”
All the participants were handed soccer training kits and equipment for their schools, further helping them with the development of the game.
By Matlhomola Morake
