Dear Mamelodi News,
I am writing to share a disturbing experience from my time playing soccer. I want to remain anonymous, so I've omitted specific details that could identify me.
As a girl in soccer, I've faced numerous challenges. Coaches often prioritize winning over our well-being, ignoring our different backgrounds and struggles. I've been called names, benched without reason, and even faced inappropriate behavior from a coach.
When I reported the coach's actions, no one believed me – not even my own mom. I was forced to leave the team and play with boys to regain my confidence. However, when I joined a new team with a new coach, the abuse continued.
The coach would make examples out of me, saying I was talented but lazy. He would say he loved me like a father, but his actions were far from fatherly. He texted me on Facebook, repeating his "love" for me and offering to make me a better person. When I reported him, no one believed me. Instead, they told me to stop speaking out.
The coach even sent me threatening messages, saying I'd get hurt if I continued to tell people about his actions. I stopped playing soccer out of fear. When I confided in a teammate, she called me a liar and told everyone about my allegations. The team turned against me, and I was left feeling isolated.
Unfortunately, my story doesn't end there. I'm now pregnant, and the father of the baby has abandoned me, refusing to take responsibility.
I hope that by sharing my story, I can help bring attention to the abuse and mistreatment of women in soccer.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Comments
Post a Comment