New club plans to change Francistown soccer

Though Ghetto Stars was formed four months ago, it wants to change the face of women soccer in Francistown and the northern region. The club is the brainchild of the captain Mitchel Tlhasela and her friend Portia Mogapi. They formed the club in September because they wanted to see if they could get a response from the youth in Francistown.

Tlhasela played for Gaborone-based national women soccer champions Double Action before she relocated to Francistown. She had nowhere to train in the second city so she decided to form a club. 'We need a women's league in Francistown,' she said. She asserted that if clubs in Francistown are serious about football, they can start their own league soon.

'We plan to engage other clubs so that we can convince the authorities that we deserve a league here,' she said.

Tlhasela added that even though the youth in Francistown have an interest in football, they are not serious. 'They are not dedicated enough but for us to get our own league we have to show dedication, passion and determination because a league is not a small thing,' she said. She stated that since the formation of the club, they have tried to have a game every weekend but in vain. 'We only play friendly games and sometimes players from other clubs will not show up for a game,' she said.

The determined Tlhasela asserted that they are determined to get to change the face of women football in the north by getting their own league. He friend and co-founder of the club, Mogapi said that they are trying to build a club that will set trends. She said that even though the youth are interested in sport they have to show seriousness.

'They have interest. It is just that they do not want to dedicate themselves. To show they have interest, all we did was put up fliers that people who were interested in football should call our numbers and before the end on the next day, we had a complete team,' she said.

Most people who play for the club are out of school youth and students at senior secondary school. Team coach Boikobo Tiroyamodimo started working with Ghetto Stars when he saw the players training near his house.

'They were training next to my house and I decided to start helping them out because I have football and coaching experience,' he said. Tiroyamodimo said that at the moment they are struggling because there is no competition and money. 'At the moment we are struggling but it is because we are still new and still looking for sponsors,' he said. He stated that the only person who is helping them with transport and money is councillor, Interest Tawele.

'There is no way we can forget him when we talk about the team because he has helped a lot and he is still helping,' he said. He wishes that  the youth are more determined and sponsors more willing to help. 'These kids have talent and all they need is a little motivation,' he added.

He lamented that the teams they play against frustrate them.
'Sometimes we will get to the field for a scheduled game and players for other teams will not be there. My players have men and women just for the love of soccer,' he stated. He added that since the club was founded they have never lost a game regardless of whether they are playing against men or women. Tiroyamodimo said that many young women are interested in playing soccer but they have not found anyone to help and guide them and they end up abandoning their dreams. He reiterated that they are going to do everything in their power to have a women's league in Francistown.