It is very interesting to see people getting involved in different sports varieties and bring back to the community. Rise Africans Newspaper caught up with no nonsense professional referee from KweNkulu (Gamalakhe), KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa. Nomthandazo “Nomtha” Mavundla (39) studied Sports Management at Boston College but did not complete due to work. In 2022, she went on to study for Health and Safety course at Oxbridge College.
“Thanks a lot for the wonderful opportunity, I am currently working as a Field Ranger at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and am a qualified soccer referee. My love for football started long time ago, I grew up with boys, so I ended up playing soccer too. I joined a club called “Teenagers” in my community and was a vice captain, even in high school I played soccer and was a captain . I then joined “Young Heroes” but the team was far”, she said.
Soccer fans used to give her hard times when she officiates some games. “Many people doubted me until they saw my actions. They will shout and be against my decisions, other were saying I must go and cook dumpling, this is a men’s sport. Funny part they will come to me after a game and congratulate me”, added Nomtha.
This brave woman is also a qualified beach soccer referee at South Beach. Her wish is to see lots of soccer scouts visiting rural areas because there is lots of talents out there.
“Local coaches must be informed before scouts visits so the young players can get a chance to participate. This will assist the players to not fall into scams because they are so desperate. I am getting a training as a match commissioner, big thanks to SAFA. My message to someone who want to be like me is to love their work. People will talk with the aim of destroying your talent but one can go far with only respect”, concluded Nomtha
We really had much fun with our African sister, we wish her all the best and hope lot of ladies will be inspired.
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