Women footballers have traded their soccer boots and jerseys for high heels and bikinis in a bid to raise money and create awareness.
Lady luck has not been smiling on the local women football league which is struggling to raise sponsors.
Women footballers who had planned to kick it out on the dusty playing field have now decided to strut the catwalk to compete in a fundraising beauty pageant.
According to the pageant’s Chief Organizer Oaitse Moeti, the pageant has a two pronged intention, get women football the recognition it deserves and the much needed sponsorship.
He said the Beauty contest which is under the theme “A woman in sport- key to zero alcohol and drug abuse”, aims at raising funds for UB kicks, Double action, Prison and Mexican Girls to enable them to honor an international invitation for a tournament slated for Lesotho in December this year.
The tournament, which will be hosted by Kick for Life ladies team, will feature at least 16 teams from Southern Africa.
Moeti said it was not easy trying to nurture talent in women in a male dominated sport, which is why they could not get sponsorship for the teams to attend the tournament.
“We had to come up with a plan so that these girls can go represent the country, have fun and bring home medals We will never give up on these young girls, as we see the potential, dedication and determination that they display,” Moeti said.
Not only will this be a fundraising activity, but an opportunity to unveil the hidden beauties of women players, who normally hide behind male clothing.
“This event will inspire women footballers to love themselves, appreciate their being, accentuate their femininity and thus change public perceptions about women footballers’ sexuality,” he explained.
He added that they also want to change women footballer’s lives as they have isolated themselves from other people.
“We want women soccer players to associate with other beings, stand up to challenges they face in their area of interest and play their game to the fullest of their capability.”
Moeti said the event will also challenge the existing stereotype that beauty only belongs to tall and slim ladies, while also showcasing women football players’ beauty. Football has introduced its football beauty contestants with fitness awareness and skills.
Among those expected to grace the event will be government officials, corporate community as well as football dignitaries.
At least 24 contestants are expected to line-up for the beauty-meets-football beauty showpiece which is scheduled for the UB Amphitheatre on the 4th November.
The winner of the pageant will walk away with P1500, first princess P1000 while second princess will walks away with P500.
