Spurs WFC has a rich history of producing top class footballers who have gone out to become international coaches, national players and played abroad. That trend continues as the club has unearthed a new gem in Zoe October.
The talented dribbling wizard is only 12 years old and is already plying her trade in senior women’s football in the Western Cape. The quality of her technical ability is way beyond her years and her character off the field is that of pure humbleness. Few weeks ago at the Engen Knockout Challenge under 20 she won both the Midfielder of the Tournament and the Player of the Tournament awards.
“I’m proud of myself. I’m still young and I have the courage to take big players on,” she said after her team lost in the final. “My bravery comes from God. He gives me the courage to move on and take the steps. It doesn’t matter how big they (opponents) are and how small I am, I’ll take them on.”
Zoe is definitely the one to watch, and even at her tender age makes football look like poetry in motion. It will not be a surprise if she dons the green and gold national colours in the near future. But no contact has been made by any representatives of the South African Football Association national teams for now. “No, I have not been contacted by anyone yet. I would like to play for Banyana Banyana and Manchester United one day. Cristiano Ronaldo is my role model, as well as my captain. She is one of my greatest inspirations.”
Spurs coach Winston Zeederberg recalled that he first saw Zoe at their tournament, The Cup of Dreams, in 2019 when she was playing for Belstar. “She was a raw talent and did well at the tournament so I followed her progress and spoke to her coach about a possible transfer to come to Spurs, which happened this season.
“We as the coaching staff needed to work on a few things to make her more productive but Belstar did well in guiding her early development. We built on that and Zoe is doing very well. We are not done with her development as we feel she can still grow and better her game even further”.
Zeederberg praised Zoe as a hard working person who always asks questions on her progress but also willing to take the lead at times. “We believe she will grow and who knows, maybe even represent the country.
“We believe in development at Spurs. Our history will tell you that two international head coaches, coaches in women’s football, many national team players, players studying overseas because of the development at Spurs. We have a rich history and a bright future and we hope to produce more Zoes”.
