SuperSport Schools Plus

Banyana Ba Style make a loud statement in their season opener

By Siya Pongco , in Football | Featured Football | News , at 2024-04-08 Tags: , , , , , , ,

The weather on Sunday was threatening but cleared up just in time for an exciting day of u16 action in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), with Highlands Park serving as the host to the league’s clubs for a day filled with goals.

One of the favourites to claim the league honours, Mamelodi Sundowns, made a thunderous statement in their opening match, running roughshod over the West Youth Academy, firing in 14 goals while conceding only one.

It was a tough day the West Youth Academy side, who shipped another seven goals in a 0-7 defeat to Remembers Elite Sports Academy (RESA), for whom Lesedi Motaung scored a hattrick. Jabulile Tsotetsi grabbed a brace, while Thando Mosia and Itumeleng Setipe also netted.

Mamelodi Sundowns goal scores in their 14-1 win against West Youth Academy. Photo: Football Stage

Pretty Modika, Ncingo Tescla, Thandi Sibiza, Nompilo Maseti, Chuene Thabakane and Princess Shongwe all found the back of the net as Mamelodi Sundowns displayed their dominance in their first game of the league season.

Despite the massive margin of victory, coach Rhoda Mulaudzi may have mixed feelings about the win after expressing her concerns about her team’s defence in the past.

Unfortunately for Sundowns, their second game, against Origin FC, did not take place as Origin had issues with several injuries impacting their squad.  As a result, the Brazilians received a walkover and finished the day on top of the table with six points to their credit.

However, it wasn’t just Mamelodi Sundowns that caught the eye. RESA, Kempton Park, and JVW also produced impressive performances and claimed two victories apiece on Sunday.

RESA’s coach Simeon Lekhooana declared himself pleased with the improvements his team has made since last season.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus, he said he expects the girls to continue to excel and progress throughout the 2023 season. There remains a lot of work to do, he added, especially since it is a young and new team. They are on the right track, he reckoned.

RESA u16 Ladies Team 2024. Photo SAFA

It was a day that saw plenty of goals scored, including Panorama FC triumphing 8-0 over Edendale. Neo Moloto scored a hat trick, while the other goal scorers included Ona Resanyalo, Adrienne Mulligan, and Claudia-Joy Harmsen.

Thando Damba, Reabetswe Matsepe, and Thembisile Sindane were all on target for Kempton Park in a 3-1 win over Refilwe FC.

JVW also showcased their prowess by recording two convincing wins.

They outplayed Origin FC 4-0, thanks to a hattrick from Olivia McNeil and a goal from Bontle “Shorty” Khanye. In their other outing, against Kenneth FC, they kept another clean sheet, winning 3-0 on goals from Asante Cele, Gugu Mntambo, and Judah Heslop.

Tuks, after a 3-1 win over Panorama FC – with goals from Tshiamo Kekana, Daniella Humanand Ofentse Thobakgale – were beaten in their second match, going down 0-1 against Tornado FC. 

Bonginkosi Mncube, a member of Tornado FC’s technical team, reflected on a tough battle. The game was very challenging, he said, especially since most of the players were new to, and still getting to know, one another.

In the second half, Tuks almost managed to turn the game around, but they failed to convert any of the chances they created.

Mncube said Tornado’s performance was sub-standard and his charges’ fitness levels were low. That lack of fitness had led to a drop in the players’ performances in the second half.

RESULTS

Highlands Park FC 4-1 Kenneth FC
Kempton Park FC 9-1 Edenvale
Tuks 3-1 Panorama
JVW 3-0 Kenneth FC
Panorama FC 8-0 Edenvale
RESA 8-0 West Youth Academy
JVW 4-0 Origin FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 14-1 West Youth Academy
RESA 4-1 Tornado FC
Kempton Park FC 3-1 Refilwe FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Origin FC (Walkover)
Tornado FC 1-0 Tuks

Siya Pongco
error: Sorry ol' chap, those shenanigans are not permissible.