26 Apr 2016

It has always been seen as unladylike for women to participate in certain sports, especially those that are primarily male dominated like soccer. 

However, the growing number of females in such sports is testimony that gender differences do not define capability.

One such woman is Boitumelo Tiri. Inspiring, progressive and unfaltering – are three words most male counterparts in the soccer fraternity often use to describe her.

Tiri, who is in her early 30s, started out soccer administration as a team secretary for Motaung Young Fighters in 2006.

The Kang-born lady went on to be endorsed as secretary for Kgalagadi Central Regional Football Association two years down the line. She still holds the position today.

In an interview, Tiri reveals that her term will expire in June. She says that she has no plans to contest the hot seat.

“I feel that I have served the football community with great distinction. I have to give others a chance to take where I have left off,’’ she said.

She added that complacency tends to creep in with extended incumbency.

Boitumelo says her love and passion for football started when she was still a loyal follower of Motaung Young Fighters.

“When I started supporting football, male soccer players were portrayed and perceived as tough people who rarely express their emotions other than aggression and anger. They were thought to only smile to celebrate victory, while women played the role of cheerleaders, perceived to be feminine and glamorous, demonstratively cheering on their guys,” she says.

Boitumelo says the stereotypes did not discourage her from becoming a soccer administrator.

She observes that the increasing number of women participation in sports has opened doors for other young women who are hungry for success in sport.

As secretary for Kgalagadi Central Regional Football Association, her primary duties are to receive team protests, match sheets, referee reports and hand them to the board or the relevant desk for scrutiny. She says that, on numerous occasions, she has to work on behalf of a chairman and attend annual general meetings.

“My personal traits and attributes, my attitude, levels of tolerance and patience, intelligence and astuteness, knowledge of football laws and regulations have enabled me to fulfil all the duties bestowed upon me to my superior’s satisfaction,’’ she says.

She says accountability is one key principle that guides her.

Boitumelo indicates that the challenges she faced as a secretary made her wiser, shrewder, smarter, brave and stronger. “I must admit that I have developed good interpersonal skills and confidence in implementing my policies. That said, the past eight years of my tenure brought about the most positive impacts on my life,’’ she says.

Asked to give advice to the other women who may be considering the move into football administration, Boitumelo says: “be yourself, know your craft, be familiar with football laws and regulations, work hard, be confident, always make decisions that put football first – your own and those in your community – and smile. A sense of humour will get you through the tough times”. ENDS