"I used to save money to travel to Soweto for training and games. As a girl child, I had chores to do at home, my friends would come help me finish everything in order for us to go play football", said Khabo.
After years of playing football, she was injured and could not play football anymore, however her passion for football did not stop there. She is now coaching a male football team at Zonderwater Correctional Services, has he own female soccer team and Foundation.
"We will not let you down, support women's football. Please!" - Khabo Zitha
Get to know how Khabo Zitha started playing soccer:
Khabo: Started playing football in the streets of Mamelodi when I was doing Standard 3 (Grade 5), I was the one that always had a soccer ball (made of plastic) so all my friends would come by my place, when I am doing chores, my friends would assist me to ensure that we have time to go play.
I would save my lunch money to make sure that I have money when we playing challenges. "Bra Joe" saw me playing football with the boys and complimented my skills, he was told that I am female however he was shocked to find out that I am not afraid of playing with boys.
He told me that he is the coach for Mamelodi Sundowns and told me where I need to come for training after school. I was the only female player in the team at the time, they were very supportive and protective. I felt equal to them because the treatment was the same and was never special because of my gender.
I was the captain of the Chappies Little League (Mamelodi Sundowns under 12), we went to the playoffs with a team in Ga-Rankuwa and we lost in semi-finals as there were complaints about my age. I became the top goal scorer (52 goals) for Mamelodi Sundowns Development.
As we were growing up (age 16), I noticed that all the players I was playing with will grow as there were other leagues they can play for. I met with Themba who was from Soweto Ladies, I was invited to train with the team. I forcefully went to train after "Bra Joe" never wanted me to go there, I played with the likes of Fikile Sithole and Sibongile Khumalo. I travelled from Mamelodi to Carlton Centre as they were going for my first game to meet with them.
Q: How was the support when for women's football when you used to play comparing to now?
Khabo: I believe that there is now support because at least they now branded buses (Banyana Banyana) to use when they go to games and you can be able to see that they are going to play and representing our country.
At the time I was playing it was different because when we went to camp, we would go to UJ res everyone wearing different tracksuits because there were no sizes.
Q: How do you feel that there is no a National Women's League and do you think it is beneficial in grooming female football players?
Khabo: The National League is really not beneficial to the players because they are traveling to games using money from their pockets (some of them). It would be beneficial if there is sponsorship to cover such costs and also assist with compensating these players.
Q: What changes do you wish to see in women's football?
Khabo: Equality, compensating women and male players with the same amount.
Q: Many people are complaining about the support and sponsorship, why do you think it is difficult to secure a sponsor?
Khabo: The marketing team of the National League needs to go back to the drawing board and find better ways to market the women's football to secure sponsors [Interview was done before HollywoodBets started sponsoring].
Q: What challenges did you face as a Banyana Banyana player?
Khabo: Being injured, I have 11 injuries from playing which unfortunately led to me not being able to play football again.
Q: As a legend what have you made to improve or develop women's football?
Khabo: Starting my own team (Cullinan Ladies FC) with the aim of keeping young girls away from drugs and being busy. I have Khabo Zitha 11 Foundation which is aimed at assisting and improving women's football, through the foundation, I mentor and assist in training women to enhance their skills, and preparing them for competitive games.
Q: What advice would you give to football fans or community to ensure that women's football grow?
Khabo: She would like to urge the supporters to give a female an opportunity to participate in sports with the support they are able to give to all the players. Support is very important because it encourages the players to keep pushing for best performance.
With the support, it will encourages the players to reach international levels. As players that planted the seed, it was not easy however we managed to keep everything where it is today by putting effort and convincing people that women can play football.
If support is given to male football players, it can be easy to equalize everything because women are also following the same rules which are made for male football players. "We will not let you down, support women's football. Please!!! We have planted a seed as legends and we are still saying that this is a great initiative, let us oil this machine together".
She holds various certificates and achievements under her name such as:
- Certification as a physical trainer coach through VUT (Vaal University of Technology).
- ABSA sports silver award for outstanding performance as a training coach for ladies football.
- National Certificate in Corrections Science under SASSETA.
- Merit certificate as a trainer coach for SAFA/SAB Regional League for 2009/2010 season.
- National Diploma in Sports Administration and Marketing.
- Head coach for Orlando Pirates Development - under 12, Vaal University of Technology Ladies Team, Senior National Team for South African Student Sport Union and Department of Correctional Services: Zonderwater Management Area Male soccer team.
- Banyana Banyana top goal scorer (1994 - 2000).
- Captain and top goal scorer for junior team (Mamelodi Sundowns Chappies League).
- Coach of the year 2001 - 2002 SASSU Champions League.
- Young Riders Physical Trainer Coach Merit Award Recipients (2009/2010).
- KNVB Introductory Coaching Course Certificate (2011) and Coaching Course Certificate (2019).
- SAFA License D certificate 2019.
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