Women football development has been given a life line when the Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Nelisiwe Mbatha-Mthimkhulu, launched the Women Football Club Development programme at George Thabe Stadium, Sharpeville, on Friday, 2 October.
The programme will focus on women football development to capacitate and strengthen their Football Associations in the various regions.
“Today we are witnessing a massive contribution in women football development through this programme and as Emfuleni we commit ourselves to support this initiative,” said Emfuleni local municipality Mayor, Assistance Mshudulu.
“We need to continue emphasising discipline to our young athletes for them to succeed in sport,” he said.
South African Football Association (SAFA) Sedibeng President, Xolani Mtumtum, also endorsed the initiative as catalyst to strengthening women football structures.
“A new era is dawning in women football development through strengthening of football structures. We welcome and will support this initiative as SAFA Sedibeng,” said Mtumtum.
During her address, the MEC commended the role community clubs are playing in advancing football.
“I appreciate the role community clubs are playing in the advancement of the sport, and we are aligning clubs within the programme with the federations so that identified talent can be channelled into the mainstream of sport.”
She also urged the youth of Gauteng to use sports facilities in their areas effectively.
“This programme should not end here with the launch, but it should be sustained. We need to see results,” said the MEC.
Issued by: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng Provincial Government
2 October 2009
Source: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.srac.gpg.gov.za/)
