SAFA Academy vs Sundowns to headline Women’s Day GWDL Festival

The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) continues to grow in popularity and to grow participation, and this year it features three divisions – u13, u15, and u17.

In 2023 and 2024, Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the league. In 2023, though, there was only an u16 division. In 2024, competition took place at u14 and u16 level. Now the action takes place in three age groups.

This season, the Brazilians are being challenged by, among others, Highlands Park, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and newcomers SAFA Academy, all of whom have caught the eye.

In the u15 division of the GWDL, SAFA Academy currently leads with 45 points after 16 matches, followed closely by Panorama FC, with 40 points from 15 games. Surprisingly, Mamelodi Sundowns finds themselves in an unusual third place with 37 points after 17 matches. They’re not used to looking up at their opposition.

There remains much to play for, and the competition in the u15 division is a testament to the league’s growth. The competitive environment has helped to boost the standard of the game and has also attracted new clubs and sponsors. Playing in the GWDL has also become an aspirational pursuit for young girls, offering a potential pathway to professional football.

In the u17 league, which is essentially the first team competition of the GWDL, unpredictable and shocking results have been produced since the beginning of the season. While Sundowns currently tops the table, they’re not in a comfortable position.

The heavy defeat was a tough blow for JVW, who had delivered strong performances last season, which included wins over Sundowns on several occasions during league matches and in other cup competitions. Sundowns were unstoppable on Sunday, however.

SAFA Academy, Sundowns’ closest challengers, incredibly, enjoyed a bigger goal difference than the league leaders, slotting a staggering 13 goals against the University of Pretoria (Tuks) without conceding. Tuks had no answer to SAFA’s Academy’s relentless, sharp attacks.

The newcomers have made significant waves in their inaugural season in the GWDL, causing disruption to the established order. They’ve proven themselves capable of beating any opponent, with their list of victories including wins over Mamelodi Sundowns and Highlands Park, both of whom are contenders for the league title.

Highlands Park’s ambitions were dealt a blow on Sunday, however, when they went down to a 0-2 defeat to Tornado Academy Ladies. After the loss, Highlands Park lies third in the standings with 35 points, but they have fallen off the pace in the title race in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, RESA scored a comfortable 4-0 win over Dinoko Rondebult. That win leaves them only three points behind Highlands Park, in fourth place.

Kempton Park also won, scoring a 2-0 victory over Kenneth FC.

This week, the league’s teams are preparing for the Women’s Day GWDL Festival, which has rapidly become a beloved event among fans. The festival brings together all of the GWDL’s first teams for a one-day showdown, held in honour of Women’s Day.

This year, it will be held on Sunday, 10 August, at Curro Hazeldean, one day after the public holiday. Refilwe FC, one of the fastest-growing teams in Gauteng and South Africa, will host the event.

The festival will be broadcast by SuperSport Schools on DStv Channel 216 and on the SuperSport Schools app. SuperSport Schools Plus will also cover the action.

Last season’s the Women’s Day Festival was played at President Park in Vereeniging, the home of RESA, whose supporters brought tremendous energy to the stands. After a very successful event, expectations are high for another entertaining day of competitive football.

While the current set-up of the league has teams playing each other home and away, it has somewhat detracted from the former format, which featured all the sides playing at one venue, which made for a vibrant atmosphere, with parents, families, and supporters surrounding the field. Sunday’s festival will, once again, deliver that cherished atmosphere.

The main event will be a mouthwatering showdown between SAFA Academy and Sundowns. Earlier in the season, in a league clash, SAFA Academy defeated Sundowns. On Sunday, ‘Downs will have a chance to avenge that loss and extend their lead to four points. A win for SAFA Academy would reduce the gap to a single point, and they have two games in hand.

Another eagerly awaited match pits the teams in third and fourth places on the log, Highlands Park and RESA, against one another. JVW will be challenged by Kempton Park, while Panorama takes on Tuks, who will be eager to wipe away the bitter taste of their last outing against SAFA Academy.

The festivities will kick off with Hellenic Falcons facing Dinoko Rondebult. In the remaining fixtures, Tornado Academy Ladies go up against Kenneth FC, and the home team, Refilwe FC will take on the challenge of Edenvale FC.

RESULTS

Sunday 3 August

Tornado Academy Ladies 2-0 Highlands Park
Kempton Park FC 2-0 Kenneth FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 12-1 JVW FC – Easterns
Panorama FC 4-0 Hellenic Falcons FC
RESA 4-1 Dinoko Rondebult
SAFA Academy 13-0 University of Pretoria (Tuks)

FIXTURES

Sunday, 10 August: Women’s Day GWDL Festival

Curro Hazeldean Main Stadium 

09:00 – Hellenic Falcons vs Dinoko Rondebult
10:00 – Tornado vs Kenneth
11:00 – Edenvale vs Refilwe FC
12:00 – Highlands Park vs RESA
13:00 – Panorama vs Tuks
14:00 – Kempton Park vs JVW
15:00 – SAFA Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns

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Siya Pongco

A passionate reader and dedicated writer, Siya possesses three degrees from Rhodes University including a Postgraduate Diploma at Rhodes University. He also played amateur cricket and soccer, both during his university years. While honing his journalism skills at Grocott’s Mail in Makhanda, he developed a profound interest in the community’s response to crime. Additionally, he covered topics such as art/culture and student politics at Rhodes University in 2022. In his spare time, Siya can be found exploring galleries, dining at restaurants, indulging in literature, taking photographs or savouring his favourite dish, spaghetti.

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