Making a difference in people's lives through football is Boitumelo Lekalakala's passion.

In December, she was awarded the Hollywoodbets Super League Administrator of the Season 2023. That simply sends a statement that she must be doing something right behind the scenes as the TuksFootball Club Administrator.

When speaking to Lekalakala about football, you will hear phrases like education is vital, fulfilling dreams, helping to feed the disadvantaged, and counselling for the abused. According to her, there are so many ways to make a difference.

The big question is, why through football?

"It's a beautiful game most of the time. Football unites people across the globe. Especially when individuals support the same team, sometimes you would even think they know each other only to find they just met the same day. I am continuously amazed by how people share opinions and facts about the game worldwide. You can release your tension or stress by watching or playing soccer.

"I got introduced to the game at 16 in high school, playing with the boys during our lunch break and over the weekends in Soshanguve. When I started to study at Tuks, I got serious about playing.

"I was not a top player, but I was disciplined and clinical at the back. I played as a defender and got the job done like getting the ball or taking on the opponent. I played for Tuks in the Sasol League, Varsity Football, and USSA Football tournaments. I made the first eleven for most of the games we played.

"After my classes, I used to go to the football office to volunteer to do some filing, assist with logistics for events such as tournaments, coordinate league games, etc. It made me realise that I love being involved in the administrative side of things."

According to Lekalakala, a good administrator should be a leader and role model for athletes.

"It is why my aim is to be a mentor to players. It is essential to offer them guidance. The challenge is that you deal with different individuals from different backgrounds. You have to find a way to connect with each one. I treat everyone as I would like to be treated."

Lekalakala holds two qualifications obtained at UP-Tuks: BsportSci and BCom Hons Recreation and Sports Management. She is also passionate about working with women who share the same passion for sports as her.

"My dream is to one day run a football academy for girls. The aim would be to assist them in balancing their lives between sports and education. I want to incorporate this with a counselling centre for those who have been abused or disowned by their parents or guardians.

"While at Tuks, I want to find a sponsor for our programmes so we can have a clubhouse where we can accommodate players and buy them food, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Would it not be fantastic if we could afford full bursaries for our Tuks players so they could fulfil their dreams?

"It is essential to push our athletes towards getting an education so that when they are in their retirement period, they can further their careers outside of playing football."