First Touch Academy coach John Hlako says the trip to and from Cape Town for the South African Football Association (SAFA) National Women’s League this past weekend was taxing on his side.
The Limpopo representatives had to travel over two days for their clash with University of Western Cape on Saturday night. Hlako says the return trip was taxing on the players.
The Limpopo side drew 1-1 with University of Western Cape and are now placed fifth on the log. Hlako says such long trips affect teams in the field of play.
The coach says SAFA does subsidies them with petrol money for the car, but it would be a good idea if they could arrange flights for teams who have to travel long distances.
Hlako also believes that the association could try to get more sponsors like airlines to ferry teams.
The coach emphasizes that the traveling is costly to players even psychologically. Hlako knows that the women’s league is very different from the Premier Soccer League that gives clubs a substantial monthly allowance.
The academy coach is pleading to those who can assist SAFA in making sure the ladies league is run smoothly. – Report by Lethabo Kganyago
