JOURNEY OF THE PASSIONATE

Who are you?

My name is Lucky Refilwe Mmakola I’m 23 years old. I’m a student who comes from Cullinan and I’m studying Sports Management at the Tshwane University of Technology. I’m also a player at Vikings Ladies FC and I play attacking mid-fielder.

At what age did you start playing football?

I can’t recall the age I’ve started playing football but I remember very well that it all started in primary school, that's a perfect place one can use to find the exact thing that will never be replaced because we get a chance to explore without worrying about anything like we do now, for an instant we mostly worry about wanting success at a certain age and on a specific thing.

What was the reason that made you continue playing football?

I come from a hometown that most people are hungry for success, their words and actions made me stand firm in what I love, hoping that one day I'll be the best and be a recognized player in addition to that. When I grew up I had faith in everything that I do, although they always said I wasn't good enough at practice when they would compare me with other players I would keep pushing. One thing I told myself was that I wasn't going to quit, because quitting is just the beginning of failure so I won't be intimidated. I was driven by the passion I have in football.

As captain of your team, what are you planning to change?

Well, we all know that it's a bit challenging to lead a group of people with different personalities and interests. So being a team captain requires one to at least try and be part of all personalities at all times meaning you have to understand and appreciate them always while being observant. Football in general is a tough world full of criticism of teammate's potentials and skills; many are full of anger so they play with aggression unnecessarily. As a team captain of Vikings Ladies FC, I'm intending to change the underestimating spirit amongst players and make them understand that we all have potentials in different levels meaning what you are best at can be someone's weakness, and what others are best at can be your weakness. The point here is that we need each other to achieve so basically I intend to make sure that the team remains united at all times.

What should players expect from you as their captain?

All I'm planning to do is to become a leader who can be trusted with everything either personal or football related. I want to be a committed leader because I believe that if I lead by example the team will engage without any doubts and I have learned that respect is earned so giving respect to my teammates should be my number one priority. I do believe that these are the most important factors that can maintain everyone's faith in football, to give guidance and motivation to all players because we are not the same, some became strong and focused from small talks and others can just implement without any of those and they are few but irrespective of that we all need a push to awaken the beast within us.

Do you have a special routine or superstition before you play every game?

Yes, I do have, I believe that we all deal with our fears differently so personally before every game I do positive affirmations just to keep me focused. Those affirmations also play a role of motivation to me whenever I feel like this is way too much, affirmations do it for me and most importantly I do short prayers afterward which keeps me in a calm mood and brings the feeling of acceptance meaning I give my all in the field but I will also have the courage to accept the results of every game.

What are your goals in football life?

I want to be an independent professional football player internationally and become a role model to the upcoming youngsters, but football life can be unpredictable so in the unforeseen circumstances, like not achieving to be a well-known footballer I want to change lives and equip the talented with necessary skills that can be utilized in improving their football career as well.

Who is the sports icon that influenced you the most and why?

That would be Refiloe Jane because she made me realize that it is your personality that attracts things in life both on and off the field. She’s a smart player, what she wants she gets regardless of other people's opinions. When doing research I've realized that we have plenty of things in common and to me, that benefit me for instance we are both mid-players so I get to learn how to play like her by just watching her games and go to a field and implement. Refiloe Jane values education as much as she values her football career because she understands that football is a short career, anything can happen anytime so being a literate player it’s just an advantage, and you must just have something to fall back on which is education. If I follow her footsteps I’ll never go wrong in life, imitating her makes football life easier because whenever I fail I refer back to her and rectify and become a better player.

Any motivation you would like to give to players out there.

In every journey we encounter obstacles but always whisper the words of encouragement to never be afraid of the unknown, face the unknown and the unknown will be afraid of you.