RESA wins in front of their passionate supporters
The clubs participating in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) experienced a memorable weekend as their matches were streamed for the first time this season from President Park in Vereeniging.
Perhaps it was the presence of the cameras; the teams rose to the occasion and delivered rich entertainment and heightened performances on the field.
Strong support from fans of the GWDL was evident, too, as the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216 made it a day to remember for all the participants.
With a number of fixtures between top contenders scheduled, there was keen interest in their games.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the frontrunners, entered their showdown with second placed JVW, leading their rivals by seven points. Meanwhile, the hosts, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and Tuks, the teams in third and fourth places, engaged in a highly charged encounter. A victory for RESA would elevate them to third, with 37 points, while a win for Tuks would lift their tally to 38 points in a tie with JVW, if Sundowns managed to beat JVW.
RESA gave their strong home support what they wanted, securing a 2-1 win over Tuks in an intense match.
Lesedi Motaung put RESA into the lead with a goal, but Tuks, demonstrating their resilience, managed to equalise. However, a second goal, from Jabulile Tsotetsi, proved decisive as RESA took the winner’s three points.
As a result of that victory, RESA swopped places in the standings with Tuks, who slid to fourth.
RESA’s coach, Simeon Lekhooana, known as Coach Solly, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and their victory over a formidable opponent.
He said they had prepared well for the clash. “Before you go to a war, you have to prepare your soldiers. We started training on Wednesday, which is something we don’t normally do, as we have our training sessions and preparations on Saturdays,” Lekooana explained. “We started checking who’s fit, who’s available for the game, and it was important for us to tell our players to not fear the opponent, regardless of who they are,” he concluded.
Highlands Park achieved a tight 1-0 win over Panorama FC. That victory pulled them closer towards Panorama on the league table, but, after finishing third last season, Highlands Park has not yet performed as expected this season. They’re currently in a mid-table position.
The most highly anticipated match of the day, Mamelodi Sundowns versus JVW, regrettably concluded in a goalless stalemate, but it was a captivating clash, showcasing the intense rivalry between the sides
Both teams squandered goal scoring opportunities, but both sets of defenders and goalkeepers deserve credit for a job well done.
Coach Samuel Dube of JVW was disappointed that his team failed to end Sundowns’ unbeaten run. However, the draw marked the first time this season that the Brazilians hadn’t bagged maximum points. Sundowns concluded last season without a loss, with 17 victories, and one draw in 18 matches.
While the teams at the top of the table grabbed most of the attention, a number of other clubs shone. The founder of Refilwe FC, Lebo Ramodike, joked: “No one wants to lose on TV.”
Refilwe’s match against Edenvale FC produced a hard-fought battle, which ended in a goalless draw. Both teams fielded young lineups, but Ramodike said his club works hard to avoid placing excessive pressure on young players while focusing on their future growth. His side could not be compared to established teams like Sundowns, he said, but they should aspire to reach such heights.
There was another goalless draw in the game between Tornado FC and Kenneth FC, while Kempton Park FC and Origin FC, shared a 1-1 draw. There were many chances created on the day, but not many were converted into goals.
Progress on RESA’s facilities
Earlier this year, Xolani Mathumbo told SuperSport Schools Plus about the upgrades and renovations that were happening at RESA. Having been at the club in April last year, I was astonished to see the improvements and the vision of Mathumbo coming to reality
The area where the RESA facilities now stand was once associated with criminal activity. Now, it is home to a clubhouse, training amenities, residential accommodation, and a merchandise shop. The transformation is truly remarkable.
Notably, RESA has served as the starting point for professional players, such as Mduduzi Mdantsane, the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder; Sekhukhune United midfielder Thabang Monare ; former Orlando Pirates player, Lwandile Mabuya; Richards Bay midfielder, Siphiwe Mahlangu; TS Galaxy midfielder Siphiwe Mahlangu, and Nhlanhla Shabalala, the general Secretary of the South African Football Player’s Union (SAPFU). A more recent graduate is Lucky Muthewi, who now plays for SuperSport United FC.
Mathumbo modestly acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, there remains much work to be done. RESA is on the right path.
RESULTS
RESA 2-1 Tuks
Highlands Park FC 1-0 Panorama FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 JVW
Refilwe FC 0-0 Edenvale FC
Tornado FC 0-0 Kenneth FC
Kempton Park 1-1 Origin FC
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