OLD AGE WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAMS GRACED GOLDEN GAMES IN MPUMALANGA

By Makhesha Ronewa

• Remarkable Soccer Journey: Elsie Sidibe, a 63-year-old lady from Mpumalanga, defies age stereotypes by excelling as a soccer player for the national team, showcasing her passion for the sport and its positive impact on her health and well-being.
• Dedication to Fitness: Despite managing high blood pressure, Sidibe remains committed to her training regimen, running daily with peers and guided by a younger professional trainer, emphasizing the importance of staying fit and hydrated.
• Pride in Achievements: Helen Hadebe, a 67-year-old player from Hammanskraal representing North West province, expresses joy and pride in participating at the national level, highlighting the rigorous training culture in her community and their journey from local clubs to national competitions.

Ms Elsie Sidibe is a 63 years old lady from Mpumalanga is a soccer star currently playing for national team jersey number 2/3. She started playing soccer in 2011 when she was 52 years old ”I love soccer very much and no one is forcing me to play soccer I chose it for myself  soccer is my life, because of soccer I am the healthiest 63 years younger” said Ms Elsie Sidibe smiling

Ms Sidibe continued to share her journey “I run every day in the morning with other young 60s like me with the help of a younger professional trainer who offered to help us’.

Ms Sidibe also shared that she is taking high blood medications but that has never stopped her from training and it not a problem to her because she makes sure that she keep fit and drink lot of water. Ms Sidibe also shared that she has been to places like USA and France because of soccer and came back with lots goodies. This year after Golden Games She is still going to places like Pretoria and Peter Mokaba stadium to play soccer

She concluded by saying that ‘wherever I go I carry my ID with me because most people don’t believe me when I tell them my age so every time I have to provide proof” said Ms Sidibe with a very big smile on her face.

Ms Helen Hadebe 67 year’s old lady from Hammanskraal playing for North West province also shared that she is very happy and proud to be here today “Where I come from we train every day we have clubs that we play for at home we play for districts, regions, and provincial and now we are national and very proud of ourselves for not giving up”