She must be doing something right. You don’t get awarded the Hollywoodbets Super League Award as Administrator of the Season for doing nothing.
When speaking to Lekalakala about soccer, you will hear phrases like education is vital, fulfilling dreams, helping to feed the disadvantaged and counselling for the abused. According to her, there are so many ways to make a difference.
But why through soccer?
“It’s a beautiful game most of the time. Soccer unites people across the globe. Especially when individuals support the same team, sometimes you would even think they know each other only to find they just met the same day. I am continuously amazed by how people share opinions and facts about the game worldwide. You can release your tension or stress by watching or playing soccer.
“I got introduced to the game at 16 at high school, playing with the boys during our lunch break and over the weekends in Soshanguve. When I started to study at Tuks, I got serious about playing.
“I was not a top player but I was d disciplined and clinical at the back. I played as a defender and got the job done. Getting the ball or the opponent down. I played for Tuks in the SASOL Women’s League, Varsity, and USSA Tournaments. I made the first eleven for most of the games we played.
“After my classes, I used to go to the football office to volunteer to do some filing, assisting with logistics for events such as tournaments, coordinating league games, etc. It made me realise that I love being involved in the administrative side of things.”
According to Lekalakala, a good administrator should be a leader and role model to athletes.
“It is why my aim is to be a mentor to players. It is essential to offer them guidance. The challenge is that you deal with different individuals from different backgrounds. You have to find a way to connect with each one. I treat everyone as I would like to be treated.”
Having a degree in sports science and honours in Sport and Recreation Management, Lekalakala is passionate about working with women passionate about sports.
“My dream is to one day run a Soccer Academy for girls. The aim would be to assist them in balancing their lives between sports and education. I want to incorporate this with a counselling centre for those who have been abused or disowned by their parents or guardians.
“While at Tuks, I want to find a sponsor for our programmes so we can have a clubhouse where we can accommodate players and buy them food, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Would it not be fantastic if we could afford full bursaries for our Tuks players so they can fulfil their dreams.
“It is essential to push our athletes towards getting an education so that when they are in their retirement period, they can further their careers outside of playing football.”
