27 June 2018 – Founder and coach of Gauteng Women’s Regional League side Kathorus United, Boitumelo Potsane has high hopes for his young side who are vying for a place in the Sasol Women’s League next season.
The newly found club from Katlehong, east of Johannesburg have been punching above their weight in their maiden season in the SAFA Ekurhuleni Regional League thanks to their coach who has a passion for women’s football.
Speaking to MySAFA, Potsane revealed his love for women’s football which resulted in him starting an annual women’s football tournament at the Somhlolo Grounds in Katlehong which further encouraged him to start a women’s football club.
“There were a lot of girls in my area that were interested in playing football but unfortunately had no team to play for. It was only after hosting the Ladies Mantombazane Tournament that I started identifying more talent and then established Kathorus United which has done very well in a short space of time” said Potsane.
“Fish” as the 31-year-old is affectionately known is also a football analyst on the Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) and says he hopes to take Khathorus United to the Sasol League next year. His dream is most certainly looking like a reality with his side occupying second spot and only separated from the log leaders by goal difference.
The young club owner also touched on the various challenges faced with running a women’s football club with limited recourses but hopes that it is something that will change in the near future with more women taking part in football.
“There are only a few women teams in Katlehong and we working hard with all the clubs to encourage more girls to start playing football in our community. There is lack of funding and sponsorship towards women’s football compared to men and we at times struggle with equipment and that is why we want to work hard to hopefully get noticed and get sponsorship for these young girls”
“My dream is to make their dream of playing professional football a reality. First, we need to do well in the regional league and secondly move up to the Sasol League where they stand to be identified for the various women’s national teams. It will take a lot of hard work but I am determined to work hard because I see the passion they have” concluded Potsane.
United’s next opponents are Phomolong Ladies who are fourth on the log. United are yet to lose a match and come into the fixture at the back of a 2-0 win over Motshana Ladies last weekend.