WeeklySA_AdminCAMPAIGN: Quest to empower young ones from disadvantaged communities with resources to thrive both on and off the pitch
By Ali Mphaki
The mission is clear – give every girl from disadvantaged communities the tools she needs to chase her dreams on an off the pitch.
This is borne out of the realization that by investing in a young girl today, you invest in a leader, an athlete, and a role model for her entire community. This is the philosophy behind Black Diamond Sport, a first ladies soccer outfit currently competing in the Gauteng Women’s Development League, in its quest to grow women’s football and support for the next generation of ladies footballers.
To this effect, Black Diamond Sport is establishing a grassroots academy at Itemogelo primary school in Protea Glen, opening its doors to girls as well as boys from age six.
Describing the campaign as “One girl, one ball, and a pair of shoes”, chairman and founder of Black Diamond Sport Tebogo Mahlahlane says he fervently believes the academy will be a springboard for future pro athletes, community leaders and an inspiration to young girls to become professional athletes.
Kick-starting the campaign to build its academy, Black Diamond Sport will hold open trials on Saturday, January 31, at Itemogelo starting at 08:45am The trial times have been scheduled for 8.45am for girls aged 6 to 10. Girls aged 11 to 15 will showcase their skills from 10 am, with girls aged from 16 ayears and above at 12 noon.
As part of the campaign, Black Diamond Sport aims to get sponsors for 100 girls, providing them with the resources to thrive both on and off the field. The sponsors, according to Mahlahlane, will cover registration fees and league levies, quality training equipment and uniforms, transportation to matches and events, academic support, and life-skills workshops.
Black Diamond Sport was established in 2023, and after two seasons in the Mogale City women’s regional league, now competes in the Gauteng Women’s Development Development League.
Ladies football in South Africa has over the years grown in leaps and bounds., and our Banyana Banyana (.ladies’ national soccer team) have become a force to be reckoned with not only.on the continent but internationally.
Unlike male footballers, there is no academy for young women footballers in the country, which bodes well for Black Diamond Sport’s soccer academy if the project is handled correctly.
” We believe the academy will be a springboard for future professional athletes and an inspiration to become professional athletes,” said Mahlahlane.
