By Doreen Mokgolo
Former Banyana Banyana assistant coach Joseph Mkhonza is asking big companies to sponsor women’s football, just as they do for men’s teams.
Mkhonza made this appeal after receiving a Special Recognition award for leading Springs Home Sweepers, who won the 2023 Gauteng Sasol League Stream B title.
He was also honoured for his work since 1992 in developing young women football stars. The award was given at the 2024 Momentum Gsport Awards last week.
Mkhonza has strongly supported improving women’s soccer in South Africa. He was part of Banyana Banyana’s first support team and coached the national women’s team from 2011 to 2014.
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, Mkhonza said that while women’s football has progressed, there is still much to do.
“Our teams play in international competitions, but their pay doesn’t reflect that. We need sponsorships like the men’s teams get to make the sport more professional,” he said.
He added that many female players must work regular jobs and train after work, making the sport feel more like a hobby.
Mkhonza has always focused on finding young talent at school level and helping players reach bigger teams.
He worries that schools no longer have proper sports programmes and the government isn’t investing enough in school sports.
“Local coaches like me now have to volunteer our time to make sure young talent is not overlooked,” he said.
Mkhonza said that even though he has won many awards in the past, the recognition for his work in women’s football means the most to him.
“We’ve come a long way, and seeing our players in the Sasol league and selected for the national team makes me proud,” he said.
Pictured above: Coach Joseph Mkhonza.
Source: Supplied
