Sekhukhune Gogos give ageism a kick

By Thapelo Morokolo

On a dusty field in Tafelkop’ Mgababa section, the sound of whistles, laughter and cheering fills the air every week. But this is not school children playing football as many would assume.

The players are local grandmothers who have come together to kick away not just health complications associated with aging but societal stereotypes about older people as well.

Calling itself Kwanang Batsofe, Sepedi for Unite Elders the organisation was founded in back in 2022 and brings together gogos from across Sekhukhune to play soccer as well as to take part in other activities to keep their bodies healthy, their minds active, and their spirits high.

For founder and organizer Idah Tsakane Nobela, the idea was born from concern about what at the time she saw as a general neglect of the elderly.

“I would visit homes and find our mothers sitting alone, sick, and stressed,” she says. “Hypertension, diabetes, loneliness. I thought, what if we make them move? What if we make them laugh again? That’s how Kwanang Batsofe started,” said Nobela talking to The Reporter.

Three times a week, more than 35 grannies between the ages of 55 and 78 gather at the community ground, engage in aerobics to warm up, some stretching, then play a full game of soccer in colourful bibs and second-hand takkies donated by the local community.

But soccer is only part of it. Kwanang Batsofe also runs health talks, traditional dance sessions, gardening projects as well as financial savings groups.

Nobela, says she has not felt this strong in years.
“Before, my knees were painful and I was always tired. Now I can walk to the shop and back without stopping. And I have friends. We are a family,” she says while wiping sweat and spotting a bright smile.

The team which has become known for its discipline and high energy levels has played friendly matches against other granny teams in Groblersdal as well as Jane Furse, and hope to host their first Sekhukhune Grannies Tournament next year ( 2027).

In a rural community where elderly women are often confined to the backyards of their homes, Kwanang Batsofe is changing perceptions.

These grannies are role models now. The young people see them and respect them more. They also teach them about health and community. This is what active aging should look like.

Its not all smooth sailing for Kwanang Batsofe though as they have to contend with a lack of a proper soccer field, unavailability of changing rooms, and scarcity of training equipment, balls wearing out much quicker than they can be replaced and travel expenses among other challenges.

“We don’t ask for much,” pleads the founder. “Just support with jerseys, first aid kits, and a bus sometimes. Our gogos give their time and energy. They deserve dignity,” she said.

Beyond physical health, the group provides emotional healing sessions formembers many of whom are widows or caregivers for grandchildren. On the field, they forget their burdens for two hours.

Kwanang Batsofe’s vision, according to Nobela, is to expand to other villages across Sekhukhune and the entire Limpopo, as well as to partner with the government and civil society groups that fight for the rights of the elderly.

 

“You are not too old. Your body can still move. Your life is not over. Come and join us,” she said in a message to any grannies that’s confined to their homes with little to no physical activity.

 

As the sun sets over Tafelkop Mgababa, the gogos finish training with a circle, a prayer, and a team chant. They may be called “batsofe”, but on this field, they are athletes, leaders, and proof that age is just a number.

For donations or support, contact Kwanang Batsofe at +27 82 262 1427.