FIVE girls at the inaugural LM Auctioneers Zaka Girls Soccer Festival have caught the eye of MWOS FC technical director Wilson Mutekede, who believes they could already hold their own in a professional football environment.
Another eight to 10 players showed enough natural ability to merit further development, giving the tournament’s rural participants something tangible to build on after a day of competition at St Joseph High School in Jerera, Zaka.
Mutekede travelled to the festival as part of MWOS FC’s scouting efforts, with the club keen to widen its search for talent as it strengthens its commitment to women’s football.
“Whenever there is a football tournament being played, especially at grassroots level, it is a massive opportunity for scouting,” he said.
“We are an institution that is very serious now in terms of women’s football and girls’ football. We want to give them opportunities.”
His most striking observations, however, had less to do with polished technique than with the attitude of the players.
Some had played barefoot in cold, wet conditions, yet did not shy away from physical challenges. Mutekede saw in that willingness a quality that coaching alone cannot guarantee.
“Some are playing barefoot. It has been raining, it was cold, and they are getting into physical contact without any fear. For me, that speaks volumes in terms of the state of mind of the kids,” he said.
The standard of coaching varied, and Mutekede acknowledged that some players still needed work on the tactical and technical side of their game. But he saw enough athletic ability and instinct to justify a closer look.
“I have seen almost complete talent. Those that I can commit in any professional set up, in any serious institution, I put it at about five,” he said.
“Then there is emerging talent, where you can look at a player and say, if we work on this one, something is going to come out. That is plus or minus eight to 10 players. You see natural talent, athleticism and a lot of potential.”
The visit also brought home the demands facing girls who want to play football in rural communities. School, long walks and household responsibilities leave little free time, yet the players at Jerera still found room for the game.
“When I look at the rural girls, they don’t get a lift or a bus to school. Maybe they walk plus or minus eight kilometres. After school, they go back home, do the usual household chores and then find time to study,” Mutekede said.
“For them also to dedicate so much of their time to find time to play football, I’m really moved and really challenged to do more in terms of coaching the children, especially in women’s football.”
For MWOS FC, that presents a case for taking scouting beyond the established football centres. Talent may be present in communities with little access to specialist coaching, but finding it is only the first step. Players need sustained training and a route into competitive football if their ability is to develop.
Mutekede also praised the festival’s organisation, pointing to its punctuality and smooth running. He said the event offered lessons for others looking to stage grassroots competitions and reach players who might otherwise escape notice.
The inaugural tournament brought together eight teams, with Maningi Youth Soccer Academy beating St Joseph High School 1-0 in the final. Rudhanda finished third.
LM Auctioneers’ initiative gave the girls a competitive stage and drew the attention of a club actively looking for female players. Mutekede’s assessment now raises the stakes: five players, in his view, may already be ready for a professional environment, while another group could benefit from targeted coaching.
The next test will be whether the interest generated in Jerera leads to follow up opportunities for the girls identified. A day of scouting can reveal talent; regular access to training and competition will determine how far it goes.
