South Africa’s national stadium hosted the “Granny Goals” soccer tournament featuring twelve teams of grandmothers aged 65-80. Players like 72-year-old Martha Nkosi competed in modified matches with 15-minute halves. The Cape Town Kickers claimed victory when 80-year-old Beatrice Khumalo scored the winning goal in the final. The event attracted large crowds and TV coverage while promoting physical activity among seniors. The tournament’s success has inspired a year-round program for active elderly participants.
Several grandmothers from across South Africa gathered at the national stadium last weekend for an unusual soccer tournament. The event, dubbed “Granny Goals,” brought together women aged 65 to 80 from six different provinces to compete in a modified version of the beautiful game.
Grandmothers aged 65 to 80 took South Africa’s national stadium by storm in the spirited “Granny Goals” soccer tournament.
The tournament featured twelve teams with colorful names like “Silver Strikers,” “Vintage Vixens,” and “Golden Goal Grannies.” Each team wore bright uniforms that matched their spirited attitudes. The matches were played on smaller fields with 15-minute halves to accommodate the players’ age and energy levels.
“I never thought I’d be playing soccer at 72,” said Martha Nkosi, captain of the “Soweto Superstars” team. “My grandchildren can’t believe their gogo is scoring goals on national television.” Nkosi’s team won three matches before reaching the semifinals.
The idea for the tournament came from community health worker Thabo Mabaso, who wanted to promote physical activity among older women. “Many of these grandmothers spend their days caring for others. This gives them a chance to focus on their own health while having fun,” Mabaso explained.
Each team trained for six months before the competition. Practices included light cardio exercises, stretching, and basic soccer skills. Many participants had never played organized sports before joining the program.
The matches drew impressive crowds, with families cheering from the stands. Children held homemade signs supporting their grandmothers. Several national TV networks broadcast the games, bringing unexpected fame to the elderly athletes.
“These women are changing how we think about aging,” said Sports Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, who attended Sunday’s championship match. “They’re showing that you’re never too old to try something new.”
The final game between the “Cape Town Kickers” and “Durban Divas” ended in a 2-1 victory for the Cape Town team. Eighty-year-old Beatrice Khumalo scored the winning goal in the final minutes, prompting wild celebrations.
Beyond the competition, the tournament served as a community gathering. Local vendors sold traditional foods, and young soccer players from area schools performed skills demonstrations during breaks between matches. Similar to Kenya’s Moute FC from Wasingishu County, these teams highlight the inclusivity for seniors in competitive sports. The initiative echoes the successful Grannies International Tournament of 2023, which saw Soccer Grannies teams from multiple countries celebrating health and community connection.
Medical staff remained on standby throughout the event, though only minor injuries were reported. “We’ve seen a few sore knees and one twisted ankle, but these women are tougher than they look,” said Dr. Priya Naidoo, the tournament’s medical director.
Following the success of “Granny Goals,” organizers plan to make it an annual event with more teams participating next year. They’re also developing a year-round program to keep the grandmothers active.
“We didn’t win the trophy, but we’ve won something better,” said 76-year-old participant Grace Molefe. “We’ve found a new family, better health, and a reason to get up and move every day. That’s the real victory.”
Conclusion
The Vakhegula Vakhegula team has proven that soccer isn’t just for the young. These grandmothers, with an average age of 65, have captured hearts worldwide with their enthusiasm and skill. As the tournament ends, they’re already planning for next year’s competition. Their coach says they’ve inspired similar teams across Africa. “Age is just a number,” team captain Noria Mabasa reminds us. “We’re showing that grandmothers can do anything.”
