Gauteng Women’s Development League going from strength to strength
The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) is in full swing, with three weeks of football action already in the books.
As the league enters its third season, the stakes have risen significantly. This year, the GWDL has expanded to include three divisions: u13, u15, and u17. Last season, there were two: u14 and u16.
In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus on Thursday, Mondli Dube, the GWDL Administrator, highlighted that the transformation and growth of the league are evident compared to last season.
“Teams are doing well in terms of technical skills development. There is better passing, accuracy, and creativity. Also, tactical awareness, physical development, and mental growth, a presence of team dynamics, and good sportsmanship,” Dube said.
He further expressed his satisfaction with the improvement in the standard of the GWDL. “This year the quality is too much! We have new teams, such as the SAFA Academy, Dinoko Rondebult FC, Sporting CP, Hellenic Falcons, and others,” he enthused.
The competition in the u15 and u17 leagues is intriguing, he added. “Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the league for the past two seasons. I would be interested to see how this season ends.
“Kempton Park FC, Panorama, Tuks, Highlands Park, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), Refilwe FC, and Edenvale FC have been impressive so far, but it’s still early. The league can be taken by anyone, which makes it exciting.”
The new teams have also adjusted well to the league, Dube continued: “The performance from the SAFA Academy has been the one striking fear in everyone. Hellenic FC, Dinoko, and Sporting CP have gone all out, from their administrators to their technical staff and professionalism.
“They will blend in perfectly and grow as the league continues, in the same way that Edenvale evolved from being a small team to becoming a side not to be played with.”
One of the most exciting teams to watch during the early part of the season has been Refilwe FC, a youthful squad established in January 2024. It was, predictably, a challenging first season, but Dube commended the Refilwe FC players for their impressive efforts.
“Refilwe FC has positioned itself positively. The hard work that is happening behind the scenes is evident. They started as a small team that no one knew. Now they are trendsetters,” he reckoned.
“Refilwe FC has shown us that it’s possible. All you need is the right people: dedicated coaches, players, and, administrators.
“Last year, Refilwe FC had one player in the Cosafa u17 tournament, representing the country. This year, it might be more. Refilwe FC has managed to collaborate with a lot of big brands, such as Curro, and not only are they investing in play but also in the education of these players.
“To create equal opportunities, to build confidence and leadership, to enhance physical and mental health, to develop life skills, to build communities and role models, it’s important to invest in girls’ development programmes,” he concluded.
As the competition intensifies in the GWDL, this Sunday’s spotlight will be on the match between RESA and SAFA Academy, which will be played at President Park in Vereeniging.
SAFA Academy will be aiming to build on their strong start to the season, but they’ll be up against a determined RESA team, renowned for their tenacity, particularly on home turf, where they enjoy robust support.
In the past two seasons, RESA has established itself as one of the most dedicated, competitive, and exciting teams in the GWDL. On Sunday, their goal will be to inflict the first defeat of the season on the visitors.
At present, RESA occupies third place on the log, with seven points, just behind Refilwe FC, in second. Meanwhile, SAFA Academy, despite being new to the league, leads the way. After wins in each of their three matches, they have a maximum haul of nine points.
In other fixtures, Refilwe FC hosts Tornado FC at the Curro Hazeldean High School – School Sports Ground. Panorama FC welcomes Tuks FC to Roodepoort, while Mamelodi Sundowns will take on another newcomer, Dinoko Rondebuilt FC, at their home ground.
Balfour Park will host Highlands Park against JVW FC, while Kempton Park FC tackles Hellenic Falcons at Bonaero Park, in Kempton Park.
Kenneth FC visits the JP Bezuidenhour Stadium, in Edenvale, for a date with Edenvale FC.
u17 GWDL Fixtures
Sunday, 13 April
11:30 – RESA vs SAFA Academy, President Park, Vereeniging
11:30 – Refilwe FC vs Tornado FC, Curro Hazeldean – School Sports Ground
11:30 – Panorama vs Tuks, Panorama FC
11:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Dinoko Rondebuilt, University of Pretoria (Hillcrest)
11:30 – Kenneth FC vs Edenvale FC, JP Bezuidenhout Stadium, Edenvale
11:30 – Kempton Park FC vs Hellenic Falcons, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park
11:30 – JVW FC vs Highlands Park, Balfour Park, Highlands North
