Historic second edition of GWDL nearing conclusion
The second edition of the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) is concluding this weekend, with the final matches scheduled for Sunday, 13 October, at Panorama FC in Roodepoort.
It brings the curtain down on a year filled with competitive and entertaining football, providing fans in the Gauteng province with memorable experiences.
A particularly noteworthy event in the GWDL took place on 11 August, when SAFA Gauteng, in collaboration with SuperSport Schools, made the GWDL games accessible to all fans through live-streaming on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216. This event coincided with the celebration of Women’s Month.
The day sparked a vibrant atmosphere in Vereeniging, where a significant number of spectators gathered to support the teams. It was a moment of pride not only for the parents and fans but also for the players, who demonstrated their dedication on the field. Ultimately, women’s football won, as the day concluded with smiles all around, following a successful event hosted by the Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) at their home venue in President Park, Vereeniging.
Another highlight of the GWDL took place in March when the season commenced with a pre-season tournament held at Panorama. On a hot day that unexpectedly concluded with showers, Mamelodi Sundowns triumphed in the inaugural GWDL Top 8 by defeating their close rivals, JVW FC, who are recognised for providing a formidable challenge to the Brazilian ladies in both league matches and cup competitions.
The season, however, offers more than mere memorable moments, as it continues to demonstrate growth and potential. We have witnessed exceptionally young players, some as young as 10 and 11, competing alongside 15 and 16-year-olds. One such remarkable talent is Unathi Ndlovu, the Sundowns goalkeeper, who also made her debut in the Engen Champs of Champs last month and contributed significantly to her team’s victory in the tournament.
As we approach the final match of the GWDL on Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns look set to be honoured as the champions of both the U14 and U16 divisions for the 2024 season. In the U16 category, Sundowns are currently on 65 points, while the second-placed Tuks have 54, establishing Sundowns as clear frontrunners for the league title.
In the U14 GWDL, Sundowns’ ladies also enjoy a huge point difference with only one match remaining, against Tornado FC on Sunday. Sundowns are on the verge of being crowned champions as they lead the standings by 11 points, with Tuks occupying the second position with 56 points.
Both the U14 and U16 teams of Mamelodi Sundowns have enjoyed an exceptional season, as they remain undefeated in the GWDL across both categories. In addition, Sundowns will be defending their title, having secured the inaugural GWDL championship, which featured only the U15 division in 2023.
GWDL U14 Fixtures
11:45. Field 2: Tornado vs Mamelodi Sundowns
GWDL U16 Fixtures
09:00. Field 1: Kenneth FC vs Panorama FC
09:00. Field 2: FC Origin vs Refilwe FC
10:30. Field 1: JVW FC vs Edenvale FC
10:30. Field 2: RESA vs Kenneth FC
11:45. Field 1: Panorama FC vs FC Origin
12:45. Field 1: Refilwe FC vs Panorama FC
12:45. Field2: JVW FC vs RESA
13:45. Field 1: Kenneth FC vs FC Origin
13:45. Field 2: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Highlands Park
U16 Current Log Table
| Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 23 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 98 | 5 | 93 | 65 |
| Tuks | 24 | 17 | 3 | 4 | 47 | 14 | 33 | 54 |
| JVW FC | 22 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 67 | 13 | 54 | 52 |
| RESA | 21 | 15 | 1 | 5 | 50 | 17 | 33 | 46 |
| Panorama FC | 21 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 38 | 19 | 19 | 37 |
| Kempton Park FC | 24 | 10 | 4 | 10 | 37 | 33 | 4 | 34 |
| Highlands Park FC | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 31 |
| Tornado FC | 24 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 24 | 38 | -14 | 31 |
| Refilwe FC | 22 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 14 | 44 | -30 | 20 |
| Kenneth FC | 21 | 5 | 4 | 12 | 21 | 36 | -15 | 19 |
| Football Origin | 22 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 16 | 44 | -28 | 16 |
| Edenvale | 23 | 5 | 1 | 17 | 17 | 89 | -72 | 16 |
U14 Current Log Table
| Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 23 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 81 | 6 | 75 | 67 |
| Tuks | 24 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 50 | 18 | 32 | 56 |
| Panorama FC | 24 | 16 | 5 | 3 | 52 | 14 | 38 | 53 |
| RESA | 24 | 16 | 2 | 6 | 41 | 17 | 24 | 50 |
| JVW FC | 24 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 29 | 18 | 11 | 42 |
| Refilwe FC | 24 | 12 | 2 | 10 | 40 | 26 | 14 | 38 |
| Kempton Park FC | 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 24 | 22 | 2 | 34 |
| Origin FC | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 26 | 33 | -7 | 31 |
| Edenvale FC | 23 | 8 | 0 | 15 | 21 | 76 | -55 | 24 |
| Tornado FC | 23 | 6 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 30 | -13 | 23 |
| Kenneth FC | 24 | 3 | 5 | 16 | 8 | 46 | -38 | 14 |
| Highlands Park FC | 24 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 43 | -43 | 3 |
