Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Standing at about 5 feet 4 at the age of 17 and donning the white jersey and blue pair of socks belonging to Holy Family FC of Rumbek in Lakes State, Hellen America is encapsulating a character in the wild pursuit of dreams. She loves football and has a clear-cut dream in the game—to traverse the region and possibly out of the continent.
One of her long-standing dreams as Holy Family’s forward is to land the rare opportunity of donning the jersey of the Bright Starlets to represent the national team.
America plays in attack, where she ruffles feathers with tough defenders in the game. Nonetheless, her exploits have further brightened her chances to scale the ladder and make a mark in the sport. She currently wears the team’s armband as the skipper for the Rumbek’s giants—an honour that only inches her closer to joining South Sudan’s National Women’s Team (Bright Starlets).
She joined the Holy Family in 2018 and has since established herself as one of the top attackers in the Rumbek Local FA league.
When it comes to women’s football, despite being the coolest player who detests show-offs, she is referred to as a teacher by the majority of Rumbek fans, including fellow players.
“My job is always to give my best to the team, and of course, I alone can’t manage without support from colleagues. “When I score many goals, I always give many thanks to fellow players for teamwork,” she says.
America gets much applause after the long days. But according to her, such praises could dip her into complacency that may dim her progress, so she takes them with a pinch of salt.
“Sometimes after the game, my friends, fans, and management, including fellow players, come to me and congratulate me on a good performance. “Although I normally appreciate it, sometimes I feel like I have not done enough despite sometimes scoring goals.”
She said that though her fans, who love her playing style, will tell everyone that America is their best and favorite player in the Rumbek Local league, according to her that doesn’t qualify her for the national team.
“I think someone can say no or maybe yes, depending on one’s judgment. “Although everyone may be right, I believe the right answer will always come from the coach.”
The Rumbek star is three years shy of her 20th birthday but she is already among the most adored athletes in the Rumbek.
Dream for national team debut
In an interview with The City Review, the Holy Family hit-woman says she has been patient and is confident that a chance will soon surface to represent Bright Starlets.
“Of course, my mind keeps telling me to play for the national team. But it depends on what kind of player every coach goes for and, most importantly; fits into the system she or he uses.”
“For me, I do what is expected in the field, and I always fight hard in order to improve on what I am doing in order to make my team succeed in every competition,” America says.
“But of course, it is every footballer’s dream. Playing for the national team is something that no player would turn down. I can say yes, it is what I am dreaming of and I will be proud if such an opportunity comes to me,” she adds.
“I will honour any call for the national team and I can’t wait for that day, but I have to work hard for it.”
Although the teenage player says joining the national team would not be intimidating for her, she believes that unless the women’s leagues in the state are given much attention just like the men’s league; most players worth the salt will continue to be in darkness.
Challenges to overcome
America underlines the challenges facing teenage girls playing football in the lower leagues in the states. For her, the low-tier divisions are bubbly with talents but converting them into fully-baked stars is the missing link. This is because such players are often overlooked because of lack of concentration on grassroots football.
“We have some individual talents in some of these teams across the state but they do not get a chance to make it to Juba, where the player gets selected for the national team,’’ she laments.
‘‘You may find that many of us only come out to play when there are competitions. You [may]find it difficult to attend some of the training sessions because of [domestic chores] but still, the girls can do better.’’
Rumbek is among the other Local Football Associations (LFAs) that are trying hard to promote women’s football, though with less attention given to women’s sports activities.
Ost communities embracing women’s football are grappling with cultural beliefs that are hindering the development of the game. But this has not slammed the brakes on the appetite that young women have for football. America represents such young women, who are ready and determined to flourish.
America started her playing career as a central midfielder, but due to her pace and eye for goal, she was handed a playmaking role in number 10 where she is able to create chances and test the opposing goalkeeper too.
She scored over 25 goals for her club in the 2019/2021 season—more than any other player in the Rumbek LFA league. She was the top scorer in the recently concluded Zone One National South Sudan Women’s Cup.
The teenager scored five goals in four games but was eliminated from the competition before traveling to Juba for the semi-finals.
America is currently in her Senior Four at Bishop Mozzolari Memorial Secondary School in Rumbek.
She will be hoping to receive a call-up from Bright Starlets head coach Booysen in any competitions even if mere trail.
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