Tsakani – Soccer enthusiast Alex Bottoman (36) founded the Phuthaditshaba Community Foundation Ladies (PCF). As a former player, Bottoman started the club after arm and leg injuries ended his soccer career.
“It was not an easy adjustment because I still wanted to play, but it got difficult,” said Bottoman.
He played for the Friends FC in Geluksdal and had stints at Wits University and Moroka Swallows FC developments.
“My injuries changed my career trajectory. I still desired to be part of something that would uplift myself and my community,” Bottoman added.
That is when he joined loveLife as a school mpintshi (delivering loveLife programmes to schools). Because of his commitment to the cause, he worked up to becoming a loveLife groundBreaker.
“That is how I was exposed to ladies’ soccer. I knew about Home Sweepers in Kwa-Thema but never saw other soccer teams with just ladies. I wanted to bring that to our community,” Bottoman said.
He started hosting tournaments that included ladies’ soccer teams in Ekurhuleni. Bottoman said coaches Mkhonza Mkhonzana and Malombo Moyo inspired him.
“He was always a jovial child, but we noticed that, among other things, he really loved soccer. He played at primary school, and that opened more doors,” said his mom, Mapule Bottoman, who is extremely proud of her son.
“I also love sports, so he might have gotten that from me. I will support him in all his pursuits,” Mapule added.
His father, Charles Maphanga, shared her sentiments, “His love for soccer was always evident, and I knew he would do well. I hope his club gets the funds so that they can grow and pay the girls something for their efforts,” said Maphanga, also a former soccer player.
The PCF Ladies was established in 2018.
