Celebrating Sharpeville's soccer supermom
August is Women's Month, celebrating the strength of ordinary women in the community for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Orlando Pirates midfield striker Relebohile Mofokeng's mother, Naome, is one of the women who deserves flowers for the role she plays in her son's football career.
When 'Rele' was still young, playing for a local amateur soccer team, Celeb Youth Academy in Sharpeville, Naome used to come to watch him.
This was long before it became fashionable for mothers or parents to get involved in their children's football careers. Unlike others, Naome didn't wait for her son to play for these so-called elite development academies to support him. She supported the boy while he was still playing on the dusty soccer grounds.
Sedibeng Ster Sport still has memories of her running up and down the touchline when Rele was only 12 years old, playing at George Thabe Stadium or James and Pepsi soccer grounds.
She was always there, not only to watch him, but to also support the rest of the team.
She is passionate about football.
The truth is she didn't only show interest in his son's football career when he played for Orlando Pirates, but long before Rele became a household name in South African football.
We take a bow, Mrs Mofokeng, you deserve flowers.
She was always there since Rele's father, Sechaba Mofokeng, at the time, was also an active soccer player, playing in the First Division League.
Relebohile's parents launched the Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They hosted the 1st Annual Relebohile Mofokeng Tournament, which came to an end last weekend in his hometown in Sharpeville.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Naome said that apart from being her son's biggest supporter, she is passionate about football.
'I love football, and grew up in the football community. I support every child who is involved in sports in the community,' she said.
Sedibeng Ster Sport will continue to look for other women who have contributed to the development of sports within the Vaal community.
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