Goals galore at exciting GWDL season opener
The JP Bezuidenhout Stadium in Edenvale, Johannesburg, was buzzing on Sunday as the highly anticipated Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) kicked off its 2024 season.
The opening day brought 30 goals from 12 matches – 2.5 per game – with Mamelodi Sundowns FC (Banyana Ba Style) once again showcasing their prowess in women’s football.
In their two games, they scored an impressive 12 times, while conceding only one goal to Refilwe FC, in a 5-1 victory.
In their first game, they kept a clean sheet in a resounding 7-0 triumph over Origin FC.
With their dominant performances on the opening day, the Brazilians have clearly demonstrated their intent to claim the inaugural u14 GWDL title.
After those two big wins, they’re top of the log. JVW Girls Football Development (JVW), who also have six points, lie second on goal difference.
JVW secured a 2-0 victory in their first match against Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA), and they repeated that winning margin against UP Tuks to finish the day with an unblemished defensive record.
It is still early in the season, but Mamelodi Sundowns and JVW are sure to be among the frontrunners for the GWDL title.
The spectators at the JP Bezuidenhout Stadium included Andile Dlamini, the goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC and South Africa (Banyana Banyana). Commenting on the importance of developing women’s football from a young age, she said: “When we start at an early age, it gives us an advantage for full growth. We are going to see a lot of superstars grow from a young age.
“In the past, we used to start being recognized around about 16 years old, and I feel like that’s a late stage. If you start competing at 10 years old, you are grooming a beautiful young South African woman and I think this is the way to go.
“Credit to everyone who had this great thought, for creating the Gauteng Women’s Development League.”
Declaring herself pleased to see her club, Mamelodi Sundowns, winning both of their games, Dlamini said was happy for the young girls. Teaching them the basics of the game was vitally important, she added, and enjoying the game was of paramount importance.
RESULTS
Mamelodi Sundowns 7- 0 Origin FC
Panorama 4-0 Kempton Park FC
Refilwe FC 1-1 Kenneth FC
JVW 2-0 RESA
Tornado Academy Ladies 0-0 Highlands Park
Edenvale 2-0 West Youth Academy
Origin FC 1-1 Panorama FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-1 Refilwe FC
RESA 1-0 Kempton Park
Kenneth FC 2-0 Tornado Academy Ladies
JVW 2-0 Tuks
Highlands Park 0-0 West Youth Academy
