Now the phenomenon of elderly ladies playing soccer has spread, with more than 68 teams across the country as more women in their geriatric years realise the positive changes in their lives though kicking the soccer ball about.
When she is not tending to her mealie fields, Musimeki can be found on the field in her white number 9 jersey and soccer boots. Pauline Mashau, 60, a mid fielder for Ndamulelo Gogobole Grannies Football Club, said she bought her first pair of soccer boots about three years ago and never looked back.Mashau said playing the game helped her to recover from a back injury after she tripped and fell at home. “The most important thing for us as elderly people is exercise. This helps us to enjoy old age without having to worry about diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes,” Mashau said.
Christina Mukwevho, 64, trains three days a week and eats a balanced diet that includes lots of wholesome vegetables to keep strong.