The SBM Girls’ football team comprises of 25 players. The majority of them are from Classes 6, 7 & 8 giving them a mean age of 15 years old. The team was formed in January 2012 under the tutelage of Teacher Elizabeth as the coach.
The team trains from 2.30pm to 4.30pm every Friday and on some Saturdays at a neighbouring public primary school called Mtepeni, which is 30 minutes walk from our school. Thus,taking an hour walking to and back.
The girls enjoy their football and always look forward to the friendly matches which are organised on Saturdays against the neighbouring schools. It does not surprise us but the majority of the girls who play football in our school team also perform well in class. This goes along well with the adage “too much work without play made Jack a dull boyâ€.
The girls face many challenges including the lack of soccer boot and a proper training ground near our school as Mtepeni Primary Training Field is a long walk and poorly maintained. A playing field around the school would not only benefit the students in the school but also the local community as many of the local youths would engage in games thus keeping them away from joining illegal groupings. The girls are also “going against the grain” as female football teams are very rare in the rural areas.
Below are some of the excerpts from some players.
Hadija Nyale-Captain
“Hadija Nyale is my name, am fifteen years old. I am in class eight. My nick name’s is Kasuku. I am playing position two (right defender) am also the team captain. I like playing football during leisure time ( when I am free) and also watch football game in our school.
I admire the way Steve Gerald works hard for his team-Liverpool. I want to be a good player in Kenya and other countries. Football makes my body fitâ€.
Margaret Matumbo-Midfielder
“My name is Margaret Matumbo aged 16 years old. I am in class seven. I like playing football in my school and spectators call me ‘machine’. and I like position six as Midfielder.
I like football because I am talented in it. Moreover it is my favourite game furthermore I’m interested in it. My ambition is to become a player like Yaya Toure or John Obi Mikel. I want to become famous footballer in the world. Football makes me meet new friendâ€.
Amina Idd-Goal keeper
“My name is Amina Idd. I am sixteen years old. I am in class eight, the game I like is football, am the goal keeper. I like watching Joe Hart,the Man City goalkeeper. One day I want to be like him. The position which I play is number one, I like football because it is common in the world and you can educate your life and also if you have a competition and you performed well you can earn a living. And if you doesn’t have a job you use a certificate so that you can get a job.
My role model is Man city goalkeeper in future I want to go to Europe. I want to better my lifeâ€.
Khadija Boti-Striker
“My name is Khadija Boti. I am thirteen years old. I am in class five. My nickname is Khaj B. My position number is nine. I like football because this is my talent. Am play football powerful to succeed in my life. I like watching Robin Van Persie of Manchester united. Later on I want it to be my work in life God willing. In God I trustâ€.
Grace Kenga-Defender
“My name is Grace Kenga am fifteen yeas and in class seven. Am a defender, I play number five. I like playing because it makes my body, mind and soul fresh. When at the back I make sure no one scores my side. I dream that one day I will play in England clubs. My best team is Arsenal.â€.
well done girls keep up the good work x
They all look great in their kits. And as enthusiastic as ever!
These girls look like they mean business. Well done everyone and keep practicing. No hacking noticed.
Fantastic to see Westbury has finally made it into Africa!! The kits look fantastic keep up the good work it’s great to see the enjoyment on the girls faces.
Best wishes to you all girls and good luck to you in all of your matches. The girls at Our Lady of Lourdes are just preparing for their girls football competition where schools from all over Bury come to compete at our school.
You all look great in your kits – enjoy your football!
Love and best wishes from Donna and all at Our Lady of Lourdes x
Very impressed girls! You look great but shouldn’t you be following Blackpool FC in the UK? They wear the same colour!! Or Holland? Good luck and keep training hard. You look like winners to me!
Many thanks for your encouraging comments! the girls are naturally motivated.kudos to you all