FIFA Shereos Docu Series | We Found Mary-Jane Sokhela

FIFA Shereos x Mary-Jane Sokhela

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FIFA approached Weare_Creative to find a candidate for their “Sheroes” docu-series, highlighting one female who has made a significant impact on soccer both locally and globally, and who represents our country. Weare_Creative found the perfect candidate in Mary-Jane Sokhela, a true pioneer for women’s soccer in South Africa.

Mary- Jane
Sokhela

Mary-Jane Sokhela is a leading voice for women’s soccer in South Africa. She has graced those around her with her motherly courage and endless giving, wandering the streets for talent where no footsteps had gone before and awakening the voice of female soccer where there was once silence.

Mary-Jane is a true pioneer in her actions and dedication to her club and women’s soccer. Her vision is still very much alive today, and she is more hopeful than ever that the game will be recognized and improved for the benefit of women moving forward. She leads girls from the streets to people’s screens, empowering those along the way by being the best supporter and leader.

“I can not just pack my things and leave my girls. Everybody that plays in my team and is struggling with accommodation stays here while playing football and finding their way in the world”

– Mary-Jane Sokhela

‘mary-jane sokhela is a one-of-a-kind woman on what she has done for women’s football in south africa, how she has uplifted a community and opened her heart to so many. this story is more than just football.’

– dillon buirski

During our location recce, Durban Ladies coach, Mnqobi Xaba showed us around Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium where we can also see our BMPCC 6k and Fuji X-T3 cameras kitted out on the table.

We also witnessed this candid moment of spectators admiring the beautiful game between Durban Ladies and Cape Town at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

On shoot day, we have a look at Director Dillon Buirski and DoP Dan Tucker in action briefing the Durban Ladies for the training scene they were about to shoot. We wanted to keep the feel of the docu-series as natural as possible.

We could not celebrate this project without sharing the excitement of our new friends that we made along with Dillon and Dan having fun on a rural football field.

What a great time we had shooting

this docu-series and a massive congratulations and thanks to each

and everyone that was involved.

On top of seeing her roots, we had the privilege to interview Mary-Jane, some of her ex-players as shown below, her co-workers and the people she has influenced over the years.

The interview with Mary-Jane as shown above happened at King Zwelithini Stadium, the home of Durban Ladies. We see Editor/ DP Christiaan Jonck on B-cam and Dillon Buirski behind A-cam asking questions for the interview.