Kaizer Chiefs organised a soccer clinic for girls before their home game against Ajax Cape Town in Durban. About 70 youngsters were trained and coached by Amakhosi stars Enocent Mkhabela, Ryan Moon, Keagan Buchanan and Siyanda Xulu.

The clinic was hosted at the Berea Sports Club on Saturday morning.

“Girls, we are first going to do a little warming-up,” Chiefs defender Xulu told the girls. A circle was formed after which several exercises were done. Thereafter the serious work started – sprints, kicking of the ball and heading.

Buchanan was teaching the girls the finer details of passing and receiving the ball. It is, for example, important how you stand when receiving the ball, is a bit sideways or more in a straight line in relation to the ball. The girls listened full of attention. “Yes, great pass,” shouted Buchanan with one of the next passes, “that’s it.”

Vodacom’s Soccer Manager, Rowen Gangulu, followed the session from the sidelines: “We, as Vodacom, continuously look at opportunities to work with females. This soccer clinic is just one of the ways in which we fulfil the upliftment of women.”

Meanwhile, the soccer clinic went on. Next was heading. “This is a really cool place,” said 17-year-old Phindile Mkhize. She’s a midfielder, despite the fact that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is her hero.

Also at the clinic was Match, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that is involved in empowering girls. It also provides health training, including giving information about HIV/Aids.

“This is nice to do,” Enocent Mkhabela said after the clinic, “because when I was a little boy I would have loved to meet a PSL player like these little girls today. And not just meeting, we are coaching them, passing, heading – this is a joy to do.”

Seven-year-old Kenya Dlomo could’t hide her enthusiasm. Her shirt was a bit too long, hanging over her knees, but it didn’t seem to bother her. “I learn today about passing and heading,” she commented after an eventful morning.

After the trial, drinks and food were served. It was an inspiring morning.