Maria Teffu(35), better known as Townsend is 1 of 2 female soccer couches in the village. She was born and bred in Ga-Mashashane Manyapje, the east of Polokwane in Limpopo. Maria says she believes that nobody can dim the lights that are meant to enlighten your life going forward.
Maria is the founder and Coach of Manyapje Home Stars soccer club that was established in 2017, with the aim to prevent young boys from been exposed to the ruthless street life and it’s activities, peer pressure such as abuse of substances, gangsterism and other things that destroys the future of these youngsters. She chose to do this amazing work through the sport she loves most, football.
Maria started playing soccer from her primary days. That’s where she learnt the ins and outs of football and still plays to date. She can also make a great refree . Home Stars soccer club members are between the ages of 8 and 27 respectively.
Since the establishment, Maria’s excellent couching capabilities led the club to participating in more than 20 hip and happening soccer tournaments in and around the village. As far as she can remember, Home Stars managed to win a Top08 tournament once, came 2nd in numerous other top08s, came 2nd in their 1st Top16.
The Soccer Queen has since put her hope and energy towards building her soccer club regardless. “I have always carried my boys on my shoulders without any kind of cash injection nor a job”. As she continued, she says she founded the club because of the amount of believe she had in these boys, besides her passion in football. “It’s the same level of believe they have in me, since day 01”.
She further tells Strictly Mashashane that her dreams, hopes and wishes are that Home Stars be able play in professional leagues before she retires. Some of the challenges she has faced, is been underestimated and criticized for choosing a so-said ‘male-dominated’ sport. She however proved that she is capable.
“What I value most is the level of respect other soccer coaches give me around the village regardless of my gender .” Said Maria.
A close friend of the coach says that they never understood why she chose football when she could’ve went for netball instead in their Primary days. “That made us question her sexuality”. She laughed.
When Maria is off the field, she sells delicious bunny chows in her home in Manyapye. Maria holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management and looking for a job .
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb”.
Facebook :Maria Townsend Teffu
Twitter :@teffumaria
Tiktok:simplymariawalehs
IG: Maria Teffu