A New Age Unfolds: The Beautiful Game and Women's Empowerment - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

A New Age Unfolds: The Beautiful Game and Women’s Empowerment

4 mins read
gender equality women's empowerment

Misha Abarder, an 11-year-old girl, has shown incredible resilience and determination in pursuing her dreams of playing football. Despite facing discouragement and neglect from coaches and peers, she persevered and has been selected for the Western Province’s Schools Metro Central girls’ team. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for other girls and is an embodiment of the shifting attitudes towards girls’ empowerment. Misha’s story ignites a spark of inspiration for every girl dreaming of success in a world that is gradually but steadily opening up to them.

Misha Abarder is an 11-year-old girl making significant headway in the world of football. Her journey of tenacity and resilience resulted in her selection for the Western Province’s Schools Metro Central girls’ team. Misha’s story is an embodiment of the shifting attitudes towards girls’ empowerment, serving as a beacon of hope for other girls.

The Inspiring Story of Misha Abarder

In a time when the fight against gender inequality is gaining momentum, society is gradually beginning to overthrow its bias against girls. One tangible evidence of this progress is the compelling story of Misha Abarder, an 11-year-old girl making significant headway in the world of football.

Misha’s narrative is characterized by sheer willpower and resilience. Despite not being the most skillful player in her team, her relentless chase of her dream speaks volumes. She has overcome hurdles that could have demoralized many grown-ups, exhibiting an awe-inspiring level of resilience.

The unwavering dedication she has shown towards football has led her to progress from playing with boys to competing in an all-girls league, serving as a representative for her school and club. Her experience playing against boys has not only sharpened her skills but also strengthened her character. Much like a diamond molded under pressure, her journey through trials has only magnified her shine.

Misha’s Journey of Tenacity and Resilience

Misha’s steadfast tenacity resulted in her selection for the Western Province’s Schools Metro Central girls’ team. She is currently on the brink of a golden opportunity to represent her team in international tournaments in either Dubai or Malaysia – a tribute to her unwavering tenacity and a beacon of hope for all young girls who dare to dream.

Misha has experienced discouragement, mockery, and even straight-up neglect from her coaches and peers. Yet, she continued her passionate pursuit of football, demonstrating that a love for the game is a power that can overcome all odds.

Her leadership qualities, which were honed on the field, have not been overlooked. Misha’s vocal leadership and her unrivaled experience in competitive play resulted in her being appointed as the captain of two teams, both of which have performed commendably against older and larger opponents, securing victories through sheer determination.

The Path to Success and the Obstacles Faced Along the Way

Nevertheless, the journey to success for girls, whether on the football field, in the boardroom, or in life, is full of challenges. Biases, prejudices, and safety concerns are some of the many hurdles every girl must overcome.

This reality resonates with parents of girls all over the world. A South African woman lives with a heightened awareness of potential threats lurking around every corner, a fact that men often overlook.

In this context, Misha’s story becomes even more significant. There are many heroes in Misha’s journey, those who have advocated for girls’ football and fought for inclusivity and opportunity.

Figures like Bassier Ellis, who introduced Misha to a community club launching a girls’ soccer team, and Iqbal Kasker, the tireless chairperson of Salt River Blackpool Football Club, who advocated for the girls’ inclusion despite numerous challenges. Harold Potz, a forerunner in junior girls’ football, is another notable name.

These individuals, along with other proponents of girls’ soccer, have cultivated a supportive and motivating environment for girls like Misha to thrive. Their ceaseless efforts starkly contrast the lack of support from the South African Football Association, which has been condemned for failing to establish junior girls’ soccer leagues despite considerable achievements by the women’s national team.

Misha’s Journey: A Beacon of Hope and Resilience

Misha stands at the intersection of a legal career and professional football as she continues her promising journey, a crossroads that offers the best of both worlds. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for other girls. It is a reminder that they need not step back for anyone and a testament to the power of determination and resilience.

Misha’s story is an embodiment of the shifting attitudes towards girls’ empowerment. As she continues to carve out her path, she ignites a spark of inspiration for every girl dreaming of success in a world that is gradually but steadily opening up to them. A new age is dawning, and it casts a warm glow on the future female trailblazers of the world.

1. Who is Misha Abarder?

Misha Abarder is an 11-year-old girl who has made significant headway in the world of football despite facing discouragement and neglect from coaches and peers.

2. What makes Misha’s story significant?

Misha’s story is significant because it is an embodiment of the shifting attitudes towards girls’ empowerment, serving as a beacon of hope for other girls.

3. What obstacles has Misha faced in her journey?

Misha has faced discouragement, mockery, and even straight-up neglect from coaches and peers. She has also had to overcome biases, prejudices, and safety concerns.

4. Who are some of the proponents of girls’ soccer?

Figures like Bassier Ellis, Iqbal Kasker, and Harold Potz are some of the proponents of girls’ soccer who have cultivated a supportive and motivating environment for girls like Misha to thrive.

5. What opportunities has Misha been given?

Misha has been appointed as the captain of two teams and has been selected for the Western Province’s Schools Metro Central girls’ team. She is also on the brink of a golden opportunity to represent her team in international tournaments in either Dubai or Malaysia.

6. What does Misha’s story represent?

Misha’s story represents the power of determination and resilience. It is a reminder that girls need not step back for anyone and serves as a spark of inspiration for every girl dreaming of success in a world that is gradually but steadily opening up to them.

Previous Story

Cape Town’s Fight Against Sewer Blockages

Next Story

A Glimpse of the Efforts to Preserve Cape Town’s Bokramspruit River

Latest from Blog

The Debate Over Starlink’s Entry into South Africa: Technological Potential vs. Regulatory Hurdles

The entry of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, into South Africa is facing tough challenges due to local laws that require foreign companies to partner with local investors. Critics argue that these rules slow down internet access, especially in rural areas. Supporters, like former politician Tony Leon, believe that easing these regulations could boost technology and improve relations with the U.S. However, Starlink recently withdrew its application to operate in the country, raising concerns about how South Africa can attract foreign investment while addressing historical inequalities. This debate highlights the struggle between supporting local interests and embracing new technology for a better future.

Unmasking the Veil: The Hidden Campaign of the Trump Administration

The Trump administration’s costcutting efforts, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are shrouded in mystery, raising alarms about honesty in government. With major cuts to global aid, especially in health and education, trust in the administration is fading. Many worry that the figures reported as savings are misleading, and the lack of detailed information on contracts only adds to the confusion. As legal battles unfold, the need for clear communication and accountability becomes even more urgent, reminding us that open governance is crucial for public confidence.

Major Supermarkets Recall Heartland Foods Cereals: A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Major supermarket chains like Shoprite and Checkers are recalling Heartland Foods cereals because some labels had wrong nutritional information. Even though they didn’t get any complaints, they want to be honest and keep customers safe. Shoppers can easily return the affected cereals for a full refund, no receipt needed! This recall shows how much these stores care about their customers and keeping food safe.

The South African Housing Market: A Journey Through Economic Terrain

The South African housing market is a tale of two cities. Cape Town’s home prices have shot up by 25%, attracting many buyers despite the rising cost of living, while Johannesburg’s prices have climbed more modestly at 12%, making it a tempting option for those seeking better economic stability. Many people are reconsidering where to live, with some returning to Johannesburg for a sense of comfort and affordability. As economic pressures weigh heavily, both cities tell a story of resilience and adaptation as South Africans navigate their changing world, searching for a place they can call home.

Cape Town’s ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget: A Vision for the Future

Cape Town’s ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget for 2025/26 is a big plan to help the city and its people. With R39.7 billion set aside, the budget focuses on making essential services like water and electricity more affordable for lowerincome families. Mayor Geordin HillLewis shared this vision on a sunny morning, aiming to improve community safety by adding more police officers and reshaping the city’s infrastructure. While some celebrate these changes, others express concerns about added costs and the need for better crime prevention. Overall, this budget hopes to pave the way for a brighter future for all Cape Town residents.