SPOTLIGHT ON : CAMBRIDGE UNITED SUPPORTER - KATHERINE HLALAT

Each home game, we shine a spotlight on a female fan from the visiting team, giving them a chance to share their story and love for the game.

This week, we spoke to Katherine– a proud Cambridge United fan. Katherine attends both home games, supporting the club. Ahead of the team’s visit to Boundary Park. Here's what she had to say about football, fandom, and sharing her favourite memories with her son.

🔵 Name:

Katherine Hlalat

🟠 Club:

Cambridge United

📍 Hometown:

Grew up on the South Coast of Natal,  South Africa

🗣️ Q&A

Tell us an interesting or unusual fact about your hometown or city.

Annually, Durban hosts the "Sardine Run," one of the world's largest marine migrations, bringing billions of sardines up the coast and attracting massive marine predators.  It also has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. 

What got you into football – and do you remember your first match?

My 10 year old loves football and is also an avid Man City fan. Our first 'proper' game (not a kid Football match that is), was Man City vs Nottingham Forest. 

Katherine and Elias at the Man City vs Sunderland game at the Ethiad stadium.

Why did you choose to support your club?

My son wanted to support a team close to home so he could go to more matches. We looked at teams in the area and I liked the ethos of CUFC, how the players interact with kids, the fact players and club staff are always happy to spend time with children and make them feel as if they are the ones who are super stars. 

Tell us about your son’s fundraising and how the club supported with this?

My son raised money for a homeless shelter over December and the SLO, staff and players supported him including sharing his justgiving page. He raised £1250 in 2 weeks.  He then bought groceries to feed 150 people a Christmas lunch as well as 200 people breakfast during December. The support from the club was incredible and really boosted his confidence. 

Elias receiving a Community hero award for raising money for Jimmy's Shelter (pictured with his dad Yaseen).

Who was your footballing hero growing up?

Mark Fish, former South African defender who also played for Ipswich 

What's your favourite football memory as a fan?

Seeing my son’s face when Cambridge United won the first game he attended as a season ticket holder and supporter. He truly believed they did it just for him. 

Do you travel to away games often? What’s been your favourite league 2 ground to visit?

Sadly we don't get to travel as my son has his own football games on a Saturday morning. 

What’s the best chant or song your fans sing?

We are still learning the words but my son loves to the coconut song when the fans are leaving the stadium.

Elias with Amber and Marvin at the home game against Crewe.

Have you noticed attitudes toward female fans or the women’s game changing?

There are definitely a lot more women at games than I expected when we first started attending this season, and a lot of little girls who seem as excited about football as the boys are.  This was definitely not the case when I was growing up.

Matchday traditions – any lucky charms on rituals?

We don't have any other than my son thinks he is the Us lucky charm as they win when he is at a game.

If your club were a film or song, what would it be and why?

This is a hard one as not much of a film goer but, Miracle or The Next goal wins.

12.  How do you feel Cambridge Utd are doing this season? 

Brilliant but always room for improvement.

Any particular player for us to watch out for?

Jake Eastwood.

Score predictions this afternoon? 

3-1 to Cambridge.

Where do you think you will finish in the league?

2

How confident are Cambridge Utd fans going into this fixture, as they have currently won the last 6 out of 7 games? 

Possibly a little too confident but that can't be a bad thing.

Favourite result or most memorable game between the two sides?

This is my first season so no idea yet.

Katherine and Elias at their first CU game (vs Cheltenham).

⚡ Quick Fire Round

🏟️ Favourite stadium?

Emirates

🥧 Top matchday snack?

Sausage rolls

🚌 Home or away days?

Home

📺 VAR – yes or no?

Yes

👕 Dream player to sign for your club?

No idea.... still learning the current names

💬 Final thoughts?

It is really important for professional footballers to remember that every encounter they have with a child has a huge impact on their confidence, feelings of worth, and how they behave.  Each child looks up, literally and figuratively, to players.  A little kindnesss and time to talk to a child, hear what they have to say, and interest shown in them as a fan, has a huge impact on their little lives.  Never be in too much of a hurry to stop.

Thanks to Katherine for chatting with us! It was great to read your journey into being a Cambridge United supporter with your son. Keep enjoying the game, and a massive well done to your son, for his fundraising, this was amazing!

Look out for more fan voices every matchday as part of our Her Game Too Series.