Kutlwano Magazine

Inside the mind of a footballer’s wife

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Anastacia Sibanda

Location : Gaborone

Event : Feature article

Ever wondered why Mogogi 'Gino' Gabonamong is such a successful footballer? Kutlwano's Anastacia Sibanda goes into the footballer's wife's mind to find out.

Some mistake her for a Facebook junkie but make no mistake, Tumi Gabonamong is one intelligent woman who always gives his man a package full of guidance, be it at home or football related matters.

In fact she always watches him play and like a coach, when they get home, she impresses upon him “Boo I think you could have pressed that player because that ball was a 50/50 chance and according to me you could have won and cleared it”. Who said women do not know anything about football?

“It starts at home. I have to make sure that he looks presentable when he strolls into the pitch, be it training or match day. It is very important that I look after him, not only as a footballer but remember Gino is a family man. I mean he is family oriented,” reckons Tumi.

Tumi and Mogogi have two girls, Lebone and Isago. Tumi says Mogogi is madly in love with his children in that every day after training he rushes home just to be with his little queens, and the couple would later talk about football.

Tumi adds that she makes sure she discusses and analyse every game with Mogogi. She says she is happy because Mogogi always gives his best at the age of 34 and wins games mentally.

“He has a mind of a 20-year-old and that`s what keeps him going. Trust me, it is very important for players to have a strong family background and support because that alone helps a player to go on and on. What a player gives on the field, has has a lot to do with off the field side of it,” posits Tumi.

She believes footballers wives or partners have a lot to do given they have to guide them since it is not only about cheering them at the grounds.

They also help them to make right decisions especially on football contracts because a lot of players need help before making big decisions or switching teams, she adds.

For Tumi, her work is cut out given she has studied Sports Management.

However, truth be told, Tumi is not your ordinary footballer`s wife. She has worked with big teams such as former South African giants, Moroka Swallows, as part of their marketing team.

She once contributed articles to South Africa`s Soccer Laduma newspaper. That alone is a clear indication that football runs in Tumi`s blood hence one can safely say the Mmutlane born Gino is in safe hands.

Although she never thought that she would be married to a football player, Tumi started following and playing football at a tender age. She used to play with his cousins and at high school. Tumi also managed the school`s football team, something that prepared her for football life.

Suffice to say she is jerk of all trades - a mother, wife and a pillar of strength to Mogogi from the time when he played for Engene Santos, Supersport United and Bloemfontein Celtic in South Africa up until their relocation back home where he joined Township Rollers. ENDS