Mamelodi Sundowns lifts the GWSL trophy
The champions of the third edition of the Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) have been crowned, with Mamelodi Sundowns lifting the title on Sunday at the Rovers Football Club in Alberton.
Banyana Ba Style lost their first match of the tournament, going down 1-2 to the inaugural champions of the GWSL, Diepkloof Ladies FC.
After that, the Sundowns’ Ladies did not look back. They dominated their opponents to reach the gold match of the championship. There, they defeated Royal Lions 3-1 in a penalty shootout after regular time had ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Mamelodi Sundowns also exhibited their class in a 3-1 win over Electrical Ladies FC in the semi-finals. Royal Lions were made to work hard for their place in the final by Hallelujah Zebra Force, with Lions claiming a narrow 4-3 victory in a tightly-contested clash.
The final of the GWSL was also graced by many South African football personalities, including Fran Hilton-Smith, who is recognised as one of the pioneers of women’s football in South Africa. Lauren Duncan, the Banyana Banyana team manager, and Janine van Wyk, the former captain of Banyana Banyana, were also present.
After the conclusion of the GWSL, SuperSport Schools Plus sat down with Mondli Dube, the director of the tournament. He reflected on a successful event that had taken place over three weeks and showcased women’s football at Rovers Football Club.
Dube expressed his admiration for the outstanding display of skill and strategy demonstrated by the teams, noting that the sides executed accurate passes, implemented insightful tactics, and engaged in innovative approaches, which highlighted the players’ commitment and comprehension of the sport.
Additionally, Dube spoke about the importance of communication, remarking on how players collaborated and supported one another. He appreciated the diverse styles exhibited by the teams, said Dube, as well as their resilience and determination.
However, he particularly valued the sportsmanship displayed, stating that “the mutual respect between players and coaches, regardless of whether they experienced victory or defeat, often leaves a lasting impression.”
“The GWSL serves to empower young girls by showcasing their skills and talents. This league helps girls to build confidence and inspire others to pursue sports and their dreams,” Dube said.
It also fosters inclusivity by providing avenues for engagement and celebration, thus confronting stereotypes associated with gender roles in sports, he added.
Dube’s hope and vision for the tournament’s future
Looking towards the future, Dube expressed his desire to broaden the GWSL and to encourage greater interest from additional teams, whom he believes are missing out on opportunities. He also hopes to add more age groups, Dube shared, and he would like to further enhance community involvement by collaborating with local schools, youth organisations, and businesses, to promote the event effectively.
One of the ways he hopes to achieve those goals is by making use of technology, including live streaming, to reach a wider audience and to provide families who are unable to attend events with a means to follow the action. Dube said he, also, envisions the development of an app to manage team schedules, track statistics, and provide field maps, thus ensuring accurate documenting of the tournament.
To enhance the economic impact, Dube plans to offer vendors opportunities by inviting local food trucks, merchandise sellers, and activity booths to be a part of the event, thereby fostering a festive environment.
Naturally, corporate sponsorships would go a long way towards making those goals a reality.
To promote inclusivity and representation, Dube is proposing the organisation of special clinics, such as coaching workshops led by professional players, to inspire the next generation. Additionally, he intends to establish scholarship programmes to create opportunities for underprivileged teams or players to participate in the tournament.
In conclusion, Dube said he envisions the tournament as a vibrant festival, featuring off-field entertainment, including live music, skills competitions, and family-oriented activities, to attract more attendees. He also emphasised the importance of cultural exchanges by hosting events or ceremonies that celebrate the diversity of the participating teams.
RESULTS
16 November
Quarterfinals
Hallelujah Zebra Force 4-0 Rand Central LFA
Electrical Ladies FC (4) 1-1 (1) Future Stars
Royal Lions 2-0 Kempton Park Stars
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Spring Home Sweepers
17 November
Semi-finals
Royal Lions 4-3 Hallelujah Zebra Force
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Electrical Ladies FC
Final
Mamelodi Sundowns (3) 1-1 (1) Royal Lions
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