Former SAFA Head of Women’s Football Romaney Pinnock believes her new role as the Head of Women’s football for the Bristol City Women’s team will open doors for young South African girls.
Pinnock was running the Badgers Football Academy for girls in Cape Town but has now relocated to the UK to take up her new job.
“I have moved to the UK, I have been here since the start of September. Badgers Football Academy will continue of course. The coaches and ground staff are more than capable to run things there and we have hired a wonderful new Operations Coordinator, Kamva Deliwe, who is already doing great work. Badgers Academy will always be my baby and I will continue to be involved in its journey through fundraising and strategic planning,” said Pinnock from the UK.
While easing into her new role, she is also thinking of potential collaborations to help the academy.
“Badgers Academy is playing a powerful role in changing the lives of girls in South Africa, that remains an important part of what I do. With regards to potential collaborations, why not, let’s see what the future holds. The football talent back home is fantastic, and I would love for some of our players to experience the professionalism, resources and facilities that I have experienced here in the UK. And of course, I think everyone benefits from exchanges, players and technical staff alike, so I hope we can see some knowledge and cultural sharing between Cape Town and Bristol in the future,” she added.
Pinnock left the South African Football Association following a fallout with SAFA Technical Director, Walter Steenbok. The Capetonian spent just over a year at the FA headquarters.
“I think SAFA is suffering from a combination of problems, and at the end of the day, it is the young players across South Africa who suffer. It made me sad to see how the Federation operates and just how many opportunities were lost. I hope that one day they become a very different organisation,” she said.
At Bristol City, Pinnock hit the ground running, with the her employers explaining what her role will be.
“Pinnock will lead all operational and off-pitch aspects of the women’s football programme at Bristol City, as well as overseeing the Club’s new women’s football strategy. This will focus on developing homegrown players, growing the supporter base and supporting the first team to compete at the highest level,” said the club in a statement.
“It also includes commercialisation and growth of the women’s game, developing a strong bond between the club and its surrounding communities, especially young girls and boys and of course providing the necessary support to all staff to ensure they can work effectively.”
Pinnock is excited at the new opportunity and challenge.
“Bristol City feels like the type of football club that I’ll be proud to be part of – from their approach to growing the women’s game, to their community engagement, and everything in between. I am beyond excited to be part of this journey. I hope to play a key role in developing supportive, player focused structures at Bristol City so the players can achieve their potential on the pitch, but also to be empowered leaders off the pitch and in their communities,” she concluded.
By Matlhomola Morake
