Cape Town Football Star Bounced Back After COVID-19 Heartache
The COVID-19 epidemic has adversely affected many industries, institutions and individuals around the globe, and sportspeople have not been spared either. One of them is Cape Town’s own woman football sensation and Banyana Banyana star Kelso Peskin, who only played a couple of games for Toulouse FC Femines in France early this year before the pandemic forced their league to be abruptly cancelled and her club relegated in the process. But, as staff writer Khanyisile Brukwe found out, the Bellville South-born mid-cum striker has bounced back and found a new home with French Ligue 2 side Stade Brestois 29 Feminine (Brest), which she is very much excited about and enjoying to be part of.
Who is Kelso Peskin?
A fervent fan of Manchester United in the English Premier League and Kaizer Chiefs locally, 25-yearold Peskin is the daughter of renowned football coach Nathan Peskin. She has played for a number of clubs, including the University of the Western Cape (UWC Ladies) and Vasco Da Gama in the Sasol League Western Cape, as well as Lamar University and Tyler Junior College in the United States.
How did things go with your previous club?
It was challenging in many ways but I learned a lot. I played about three games before Covid-19 hit and then we couldn’t continue. We got relegated which was a hard pill to swallow because it wasn’t up to us. We couldn’t’ play and fight to stay in the D2 division due to Covid-19 pandemic. Other than that it was good.
How has COVID-19 impacted you personally and career-wise?
It impacted me a lot mentally and emotionally. Being alone for four months in a foreign country and not speaking much French wasn’t the best but my parents and friends helped me through it. I only signed a six-month contract with Toulouse, and after Covid-19 hit it was a bummer because in order to get other clubs interested you basically need stats, I guess. Luckily I had played against my current team previously while I was with Toulouse so they saw me play. At one point I felt like what am I going to do now, you know? I’ll have to go find a job but how could I during this time when everyone is losing their jobs. To be honest it’s scary because I know a lot of people who have lost their jobs during this time and most of them have huge responsibilities at home. People are struggling. It’s so sad. I hope that things can go back to normal and people will find jobs to support their loved ones and themselves. I’m happy that I got the opportunity to play again and I’m grateful that Brest gave me this opportunity.
How did you land the deal with Brest?
I came home in June with nothing, no new contract. I just thought, okay, I’ll come home and wait till next year after Covid-19 and just keep fit till then. I didn’t think leagues would actually be playing in Europe this year again because at the time Europe was the hotspot for the pandemic. My agent called me during the first week of quarantine and said Brest was interested in signing me. And the next thing I was signed by Brest while in quarantine in Cape Town.
How are things going there?
I love my new team and being here, the girls and the coaching staff are so supportive and are like my family. Things started off a bit rough after two losses. But we bounced back in the third and fourth games with wins, so that’s good. I’m happy to be here and can’t wait for the rest of the season.
How life in France is and what do you miss the most in Mzansi?
I like life in France, Brest is somewhat like Cape Town so for me it’s nice. I get to go to the beach and the boardwalk so that’s cool. I love French food even though I do however miss my mom’s food, my friends and family, especially on off weekends.
What are dreams and ambitions at this stage of your life?
I would like to win the league over here at some point and continue to play competitively for as long as possible. I would also like to experience D1 (French Ligue 1). If not it won’t be a bummer but it is a dream.
Anything else that you would like to update us on?
Not much, besides my French knowledge is slightly better than when I first came.
Any advice to the up and coming youngsters?
Keep working hard and not give up just because things are hard or not going your way. We can all overcome challenges that God put in front of us. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Be your own motivator, put in the hard work and you will succeed in all that you do.
