Internship programme taking off without limitations

The second edition of integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol and national administrative governing body South African Football Association’s (Safa’s) #Limitless internship programme is underway.

National women’s football team Banyana Banyana’s Thato Letsoso and University of the Western Cape Ladies player Puleng Moremi have been selected for this year’s programme after their successful interviews in September.

The internship, which will run from October 2019 to September 2020 will see the two candidates gain work experience at Sasol, Safa and sports marketing agency Levergy.

Through this programme, female footballers are given an opportunity to gain work experience and become skilled in other areas outside football. This year, the interns will be mentored by former Banyana Banyana captain and University of Pretoria support services deputy director Lydia Monyepao.

Monyepao will be advising and supporting the interns throughout the year, as well as helping them set goals that they would like to achieve by the end of the internship.

With a bachelor’s degree in sport psychology, Letsoso, who is now pursuing an honours degree in sports marketing, is serious about her future. Born and raised in Bloemfontein, football was always a big part of her family growing up and, as a result, she was inspired to play. Letsoso joined Banyana Banyana last year and was part of the squad that won the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Women’s Championship.

Cape Town-based Moremi heard about the internship and knew that she had to make a big move to Johannesburg. As an aspiring marketing specialist, Moremi saw this as an opportunity to learn and experience what it means to work with brands involved in sports sponsorship.

“When I saw the post on the Sasol League Twitter page, I knew that it was time for me to take the step. I have a degree in Administration and I’m currently studying Sports Development. I hope that my qualifications will assist me in learning some skills off the field this time around,” she said.

Excited to join this year’s programme, Monyepao said that she is happy to be part of Sasol’s vision to bring change in women’s football.