It is a well-known fact that keeping active can contribute to one’s health and longevity, particularly as one gets older.
And a sterling example of this is Noyoyeka Florence Nguqe, 67, known as Mama Nobarrette, who keeps active by playing soccer with other women her age.
From the rolling hills of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, she currently lives in Site B, Khayelitsha.
Mama Nobarrete says that playing sports is the best way to keep fit and healthy, and that while most women her age suffer from many all kinds of illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis, just to name a few, she does not suffer from any of these as she has always been active.
Mama Nobarrette started playing soccer in 2012 when a man saw her playing football with little children around the ages of 10 and 11 in a park in Khayelitsha.
Mncedisi Mtshawu says that he saw her from a distance and was impressed by the way she played.
Mr Mtshawu was then coaching an under-11 boys’ soccer team.
Together they recruited other women who were keen to join and they started playing in 2015.
Mama Nobarrette says to her, soccer is not just a sport but a way of life.
