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Inside/Out with Janet Mpalume "China" the star of the HIV+ women's soccer team, the ARV Swallows
Kubatana.net
September 01, 2009

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Full interview with Janet Mpalume - Read and listen

Describe yourself in five words?
I am a nice person, who everybody likes. I do my own thing and I don't like being sad.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
The way I see it right now the best advice we were given was to form the soccer club (ARV Swallows). Before I played soccer, I slept hungry and couldn't get any food. That advice really changed my life.

What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever done?
When I think about how I almost died because I was very ill.

What is your most treasured possession?
I haven't found it yet. Maybe when I find a place to live.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
When I was very sick. I'm glad God intervened and I survived.

Do you have any strange hobbies?
I don't have any. Football is the only hobby that I have.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I don't like that I'm not doing anything with myself. I pray that I will find a job soon so I can take care of myself and my son.

What is your greatest extravagance?
When I decided that I had had enough of men.

What have you got in your cupboard?
I have maize meal, cooking oil, beans and porridge from Christian Care.

What is your greatest fear?
I'm afraid of being very ill. I look healthy now, but I'm very afraid of being sick.

What have you got in your pockets right now?
Nothing.

What is your favourite journey?
19 August 2009 when we went to Avondale to watch the documentary MSF made about us.

When and where were you happiest?
When we went to Avondale to watch the film.

What were you like at school?
I was very good at school, and I really enjoyed the extra curricular activities like netball.

What are you doing next?
I'd like to get a little bit of money so I can begin cross border trading.

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