The Bethesda Elderly Ladies Team in Mbhokota in the Elim area visited Qwaqwa in the Free State last Thursday. They were to play friendly games against other teams from around the country, but unfortunately rain put a damper on things and no matches could take place.

The team's coach, Mr Samuel Tshabalala, said afterwards that they will go to Qwaqwa again in December this year to play the friendly matches that they should have played last weekend. The project is sponsored by the National Development Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber's president, Mr Pitso Tsotetsi, stated that he would arrange for the team to resume their friendly clashes in Qwaqwa in December this year. "I'll be visiting the Bethesda soccer players in their village to confirm the journey in person again," said Mr Tsotetsi.

Limpopo Mirror visited the ladies during their practise and well-wishing party on Monday morning last week (3 September) at Mbhokota village. The ladies showed vigour and enthusiasm as they kicked the ball across the soccer field. The team's captain, Manana Gladys Makondo, expressed the team's joy with the latest announcement. "What else can we say? We're definitely putting our village, ward and municipality on the map," said Makondo. "You can't believe that we practise and play on this uneven soccer field."

It was obvious that the elderly ladies in Mbhokota loved soccer, when even the ones who walked with the aid of sticks and crutches came out to support those going to the Free State. Cllr Ruth Makhubele (Ward 13) wished the team all the best and added that she hoped they would come back home with a trophy.

Bethesda Elderly Ladies were among the four teams in the Vhembe district selected to play friendly matches in Qwaqwa.