Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates successful GWSL title defence
Mamelodi Sundowns successfully retained their Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) title on Sunday by scoring a 4-2 penalty shootout victory after a goalless draw during regulation time against Blue Birds at the Rovers Football Club, in Alberton.
Blue Birds, making their inaugural appearance in the GWSL, emerged as one of the most outstanding and unexpected contenders of the tournament.
They pulled off upsets in the group stage and on into the knockout rounds. In the final, they put up a fierce battle Banyana Ba Style and, although they didn’t claim the title, they emerged from the event with honour. After starting it as underdogs, they finished it as a formidable force.
In the semifinals, Blue Birds secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Electrical Ladies to advance to the championship match.
Sundowns, meanwhile, were taken to penalties in both the semi-finals and the final. They, nonetheless, came out on top in both contests to become the first team to successfully defend the GWSL title.
They edged out the 2022 champion and winner of the inaugural tournament, Diepkloof Ladies, 5-4 from the spot to reach the title game after neither side was able to score in regulation time. Diepkloof Ladies has a strong pedigree in the event. Apart from winning the title in 2022, they also finished as the runner-up to Raycon Ladies in 2023.
In the final, Blue Birds, despite being newcomers to the tournament, held their own against the reigning champions. However, during the penalty shootout, Sundowns’ greater experience shone through as they converted four penalties while Blue Birds missed two.
After the match, the tournament director, Mondli Dube, expressed his sincere appreciation to every team, coach, official, partner, and supporter who had been a part of the GWSL.
“What we’ve built here is more than just a tournament,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “It’s a movement, a platform that continues to elevate women’s football and strengthen our communities across Gauteng.
“Having over 600 ladies come to participate, having 25 well-structured women’s teams coming from all corners of Gauteng and beyond, shows the impact of this project.”
He humorously remarked that certain individuals referred to the GWSL as the Nedbank Cup for women. The Nedbank Cup is South Africa’s premier club football tournament.
Dube said the enthusiasm, dedication, and camaraderie that was shown both on the field and in the stands clearly demonstrated why investing in women’s sports is not just essential but also a compelling action.
His message to young girls watching from home or at school was to continue dreaming, continue playing, and continue believing. “There is space for you in this game,” he explained.
“To our champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, our runners-up, Blue Birds Ladies, and every team that gave their all, thank you for raising the standard once again.
“And finally, a big shout-out to our partners, Gauteng Sport, Arts and Culture, Phoenix Elite SA, Edenvale FC, Rovers FC, Rhoda Mulauzi Foundation, MRM Sports Capital, aQuellé, and stakeholders for standing with us. Your support continues to make the GWSL a success story worth telling.
“From all of us at the GWSL, thank you, and see you next season, where we promise to come back even bigger, stronger, and more inspiring.
“The future of women’s football is bright, and it starts right here,” he concluded.
RESULTS
Semi-finals
Blue Birds 1-0 Electrical Ladies
Mamelodi Sundowns (5) 1-1 (4) Diepkloof Ladies
Final
Mamelodi Sundowns (4) 0-0 (2) Blue Birds
