The South Africa Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol launched the 14th edition of the early anticipated Sasol League Championship on Tuesday at Sasol’s headquarters in Sandton.
The Championship is scheduled to take place in the Free State province in Bloemfontein at the Dr Molemela Stadium from October 16-22. All nine province winners will battle it out for honours to be crowned Sasol League National Champions, with the winning team walking away with R200 000.00 for their efforts.
Meanwhile, the runners-up and third-placed teams will pocket R100 000.00 and R60 000.00, respectively, as recognition for their outstanding achievements.
However, the biggest attainment for the top two teams will be gaining promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League, which is the highest level of women’s football in South Africa, semi-professional.
GROUP STAGES AND FIXTURES
Group A consists of Sasol Juventus of Mpumalanga, a Gauteng team and the North West’s Royal Queens. Meanwhile, Group B is made up of the Royal Wizards of Northern Cape, the University of Fort Hare from Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal’s Lindelani Ladies.
Group C has the University of Cape Town from Western Cape, Ramatlaohle Ladies of Limpopo and Free State’s Ixias FC. The draw pitted UCT against Ramatlaohle, Royal Wizard vs UFH and Sasol Juventus vs Gauteng team on the first day of the tournament.
And at the launch of this year’s tournament, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao thanked Sasol for helping to discover new talent.
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“We thank our long-time partners Sasol for continuing to support women’s football for so many years and always putting their money where their mouth is,” said Monyepao.
“The Sasol League championship tournament has been a massive foundation and has produced an unending supply of players, and this priceless pipeline has made so many dreams possible.”
In addition, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships Nozipho Mbatha encouraged the public to support the dreams of the young women who play in the league.
“We want young athletes to see the Sasol League tournament as that steppingstone that will open their worlds to opportunities in the football fraternity,” said Mbatha.
“Through this league, we are determined to stimulate a future where women shine in all spheres.”