Every August, South Africa celebrates Women’s Month — a time to honour the trailblazers, change-makers, and everyday heroines shaping the future. In sport, these women are not just breaking barriers on the field but also redefining leadership, visibility, and opportunity off it. Among them is Indira Sofia Albuquerque, a former footballer turned sports marketing professional whose journey reflects both the challenges and the promise of women’s football.
“I’ve always had a love for sport,” she begins with a smile. “I was a shy child, but being on a track, a field, or a court was my language.” Hollywoodbets SL Log
Indira’s early sporting life was a mix of athletics, netball, and tennis. Football only entered the picture when she was about 15 or 16. “I was a late bloomer,” she narrated, “but my athletic ability quickly made me stand out.”
Not long after she started playing, South African football icon Janine van Wyk scouted her for her newly established club. “That was 2010 or 2011, and honestly, the rest was history,” Indira recalls. But her involvement went beyond playing. “The club was run by literally two people, so I’d often help with admin tasks. That’s how I got employed by JVW FC. Playing in the SASOL League really opened my eyes to the injustices in women’s football. That’s when I made it my mission to try and bring change.”
Her playing career, however, collided with reality. “We all know women’s football doesn’t pay the bills,” she says matter-of-factly. “I thought I could still do both — work and play — but then I got an offer to work for the sponsor of the women’s national league. For me, it was a no-brainer. It meant I could still fight for change, just from a different angle.”
But fate had another twist in store. “The weekend before I was due to leave, I played my last game for JVW and tore my ACL for the second time. Nine to twelve months out. My focus completely shifted to my corporate role. I still did rehab, but my location made it impossible to play at the highest level again.”
Stepping away from the pitch was bittersweet, but she found her footing in sports business. “It was great being in the rooms where decisions were made,” she reflects. “I wasn’t just speaking from a business perspective — I was speaking for the women athletes and coaches too.”
That experience took her to Morocco a few months ago, where she served as Marketing Venue Officer for El Bachir Stadium at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. “My job was to make sure anything to do with the brand and sponsors was handled correctly — marketing elements, regulations, and working with the stadium team to deliver top-notch fixtures,” she explains. “I trusted my abilities and my experience, so I had a lot of fun. The people you meet and the relationships you build… that’s one of the best parts.”
While proud of the progress made in women’s football, she knows the work is far from done. “Africa has improved over the last five years, but we need more visibility. Streaming is getting better, the digital space is vital, and more journalists and platforms need to talk about the game. And of course — more investment. Better facilities, quality training, proper development structures, upskilled technical staff… the list goes on.”
Her dream is bold but clear. “I want to see professional leagues in Africa where clubs can buy and sell players. I want scouts who don’t just show up for continental competitions, but who search domestic leagues for hidden gems. And I want development environments where young girls feel safe and supported.”
For Indira, the mission extends beyond football. “I never had the chance to represent a national team,” she admits. “So I feel my duty now is to create a holistic environment where women’s football thrives and is commercialised. We need better development for our young talented girls.”
Off the field, she’s found a new passion. “I’ve found solace in skipping,” she says with a grin. “I even have a dedicated social media page for my skipping videos. Hopefully that’s cool enough!”
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