Preview: Expect to be entertained at the Gauteng Women’s Soccer tournament
Gauteng’s best will be in action in the highly anticipated Gauteng Women’s Soccer Tournament, which takes place on the 4th and 5th of November in Alberton. It’s the second edition of the tournament, with Rovers FC serving as the hosts.
“The aim is to bring [together] women’s soccer talent and contribute towards the growth of women’s soccer in the country,” Mondli Keith, one of the event organisers and a South African Football Association (SAFA) photographer, said.
Banyana Banyana‘s participation and success in the 2023 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has since inspired growth in women’s sports in the country, especially football.
Playing in New Zealand in Group G, Banyana suffered a narrow 1-2 loss to the eventual bronze medallists, Sweden, before drawing 2-2 with Argentina, and then beating Italy 3-2. That put them into the round of 16 where The Netherlands finally ended South Africa’s excellent campaign with a 2-0 win.
Seeing Banyana excel on world’s football biggest stage has given many young players the confidence that they, too, can overcome the many hurdles that women in South Africa often face in sport.
Mondli Keith said Banyana Banyana being crowned the champions of Africa in 2022, followed by performances that established them as a force to be reckoned with at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has enhanced interest in competitions like the Gauteng Women’s Soccer Tournament.
A total of 16 teams will be in action, competing in groups of four.
Group Stages
Group A
- Tuks
- Future Stars FC
- German International Soccer Academy
- Springs Home
Group B
- JVW 1
- Nicko Taurus FA
- Queen Lozikeyi
- FC Roycon
Group C
- Zamblor Ladies
- Rovers FC
- JVW 2
- Rietvlei FC
Group D
- DK Ladies
- Monene Ladies
- Blue Birds FC
- Electrical Ladies FC
