We died for each other in the field

Elizabeth Bontle Mashilo, best known as Vitjo, is one of Tshwane University of Technology Ladies Football Club's sweetheart, playing as a center forward/midfielder. Bontle hails from Pretoria in a township called Garankuwa. She has completed her National diploma in 2015 and Baccalaureus Technologiae in 2016 both in Sport Management, and is currently enrolled for a Masters degree in Organizational leadership. Her relationship with football started when she was seven years old just like any other kid playing in the streets. She grew up playing with boys and going to the fields to watch her uncle play and that's where her inspiration came from. "I joined my uncle's team since then I never looked back even though I was the only female in that team, I was never bothered by that. I actully played every sport in primary but football has always been my first love. I remember my first provincial selection I had to choose between athletics and football, that was a tough decision to make but I'm glad I chose football because I don't think I would be where I am today. Having played for such a long time, my biggest highlights have to be playing varsity football and captain the team, receiving a National Call up - Banyana Banyana and being named player of the tournament back in 2018 in Spain during the Girl's Cup" she said. Bontle is one of those players who'd get the crowd on the grand stand up on their feet because of how she carries herself in the field, she shares her experience about playing with the red army as one of the notable players, “obviously that reputation comes with hardwork and determination, but most of all credit must also go to my teammates and the management. I must say I received the best if not the greatest support and encouragement, TUT was my home away from home and still is even today." Mashilo can't really single out one memorable moment with TUT ladies or team rather because she believes every match played good or bad she had the greatest moment/experience of her life, "we were a family, we died for each other in the field" she added. Bontle recently parted ways with TUT, when asked of how she came to that decision, her response was: "that was the hardest thing to do but unfortunately due to personal reasons I had to leave, TUT will always be my home maybe I might consider going back if certain things change but for now I'm happy where I am." TUT Ladies FC were crowned the SASOL league champions in 2018 after entering the play offs for the first time, she was asked what is she most optimistic about that hasn't unfolded yet, she replied to say, “well I would say dominating the league and having a number of TUT players in Banyana Banyana squad." Vitjo was asked to reflect on the moment in the u20 national team and say what first comes to mind, "the drive. In the u20 I learned to be patient and to believe in myself, that I had to work hard and push myself to be in the same level as everyone. Most of my teammates then were from the academy (HPC) so I had to prove myself that I can be on the same level with everyone even though I came from a township where there's no exposure to proper facilities" she said. Vitjo describes herself as a skilful and creative player, and there's no doubt to that as many have witnessed the number of shibobos she has pulled on her opponents in the field. She has put her football career on hold to focus more on other areas of her life, however is hopeful to get back into the soccer field by 2021. When asked if she has found her purpose in the football sphere, she said: "Yes I have and I think there's a lot to learn in this industry not only as player but as a women in sport. Now I'm just focusing on my studies, completing my Masters degree is the main focus now and other business ventures." In the same motion of 2020 is the year of multiple streams of income, Bontle is a Herbalife distributor, she has mentioned that she's still learning a lot about the products and is trying to grow in the same breath. She believes that financial literacy should be prioritized and more money should be invested in sports especially for women. Mashilo has played a lot of games, she was asked which game/tournament changed her perspective about football and her life, Mashilo said: “I would say Varsity cup because that's where I got my 1st Banyana Banyana call up. Playing for S.A. national team has always been a dream since I was young and my debute against France in 2017 changed my life because after that game I started to believe in myself and believe that anything is possible. I became more confident." Bontle's Note to self: I'm going to make you so proud.

Writer :Pogiso P Mokwena

Editor: Nomvula Kgoale