Refilwe pips SAFA Academy with sheer grit and determination
The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) produced outstanding and unforgettable action during Women’s Month.
Concluding the month of August, Refilwe Ladies FC stunned one of the league’s leading contenders and, indeed, a dominant force, SAFA Academy.
Refilwe FC thwarted SAFA Academy’s aspirations for the league title on Sunday by persevering for a 3-2 win in a tight confrontation, which was not only highly entertaining but arguably the highlight of the weekend’s GWDL action.
While Mamelodi Sundowns defeated SAFA Academy earlier this month during the GWDL Women’s Festival, with a narrow 1-0 victory, Refilwe FC is the only community girls’ football team in the GWDL to have seen off SAFA Academy this season. Following Sunday’s one-point victory, SuperSport Schools Plus interviewed the u.17 Refilwe FC coach, Lindiwe Malaza, aka Coach Skhulu.
“Our preparation for the game against SAFA Academy wasn’t different from our approach to other league matches – we prioritise every game,” Malaza said. “However, we recognised the significance of facing a national team, which motivated us even more.”
Refilwe FC understood that defeating SAFA Academy would represent a huge milestone, particularly given that SAFA Academy’s sole defeat was against Sundowns, who currently lead the GWDL standings.
“We studied their style, noticing they love to rotate the ball, so we focused our training on pressing and supporting each other without the ball. We had a technical advantage, having done our homework on their tactics,” Malaza explained.
“I’m not surprised by my team’s performance; these girls understand their purpose and are driven to make their mark. The goals from Thando Mndaweni, Bokang Matebesi, and Dineo Gomosotho were crucial in securing the three points against SAFA Academy.
“We are now in the top three, and while teams will come at us with intensity, we will maintain our standard.”
Refilwe FC, founded in January 2024, has rapidly risen to prominence due to the team’s dedication to promoting women’s football and providing young girls with a platform to excel in both their academic and athletic pursuits. During the 2024 GWDL season, Refilwe FC experienced their most challenging season to date; however, this year, they have surprised everyone with their performances.
Earlier in 2025, the club’s founder, Lebo Ramodike, informed SuperSport Schools Plus that there was much more to anticipate this season, as they are working towards a shared objective of achieving success and fostering growth, particularly in development across all levels.
Coach Malaza acknowledged that they have gained valuable insights from their initial season and are committed to elevating the team to the next level.
“The support from our chairman, Lebo Ramodike, is a huge motivator – he ensures the players have everything they need and puts in a tremendous effort. We are all driven to make him proud and to create an unforgettable reputation at Curro Hazeldean,” Malaza said.
Results
Sunday, 31 August:
JVW 1-0 Edenvale FC
Highlands Park 2-1 Hellenic Falcons
Kempton Park 6-1 Dinoko Rondebult
Kenneth FC 2-0 Sporting CP
Mamelodi Sundowns 7-0 Tuks
Tornado Academy Ladies 2-0 Origin FC
Panorama FC 3-0 RESA
Refilwe FC 3-2 SAFA Academy
