Sibongile Marokana, the owner and chairlady of Lerumo Lions FC, is making waves in South African football.
Running the club from Bethanie in the North West Province, Marokana has navigated the male-dominated world of football with resilience and determination.
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Her team competes in the ABC Motsepe League, and she stands as one of the few women leading a football club in the country with a dream of seeing the side in Mzansi's topflight one day.
Marokana draws immense inspiration from pioneers like Ria Ledwaba, former owner of Ria Stars, and Golden Arrows chairlady Mato Madlala.
These women have played a significant role in shaping her leadership approach and fuelling her passion for the game.
Ledwaba, in particular, stands out as a role model for Marokana, as she embodies the strength of being a woman in football without compromising her femininity.
Marokana admires how Ledwaba remained firm in her identity while making a difference in the sport.
Madlala, on the other hand, inspires Marokana with her quiet yet impactful leadership, proving that success doesn't always require loud gestures.
These trailblazers have given Marokana the courage to forge ahead, shaping her vision for Lerumo Lions and inspiring the next generation of women in football.
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"To be quite honest, Mam Ria Ledwaba is actually the biggest inspiration for me. I see a bit of her in me. The biggest thing that stands out for me about her is that, she did not in any way, try to be a man to fit in a man's world. Because there's this perception, and you see it even with football players, that once you are in this fraternity you start acting and behaving like a man and lose your femininity. With her, she was always firm and said I'm still a woman yeah, I still love the sport and I'm passionate about it, and I'm coming to make a difference," said Marokana, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
"She's actually the biggest influence in who I am today. She's one of the women that I look up to. And of course, there's also the owner of Golden Arrows u Sisi Mato Madlala, and she's in her lane as well. She doesn't say too much, but you feel her presence, and you see her success as well. So, those are the women that really impact my life and the decisions that I make with my team," Marokana added.
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By Masebe Qina
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