By: De-Shark
The Thaba Chweu Local Football Association, in partnership with the SAFA Ehlanzeni Football Association and the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality Sports Confederation, hosted the Thaba Chweu Women’s Football Pre-Season Soccer Tournament on 11 April 2026 at the Mashishing Extension Two soccer field.
The tournament aimed to prepare female teams for the upcoming ladies’ regional league, which is set to resume soon. It also served as an opportunity for teams to compete for a place in the play-offs and ultimately, a chance to qualify for the Sasol League.
Although seven teams were originally scheduled to participate, three teams withdrew due to financial constraints. The four teams that took part were Mossel United Zebras FC Ladies, Riverside Youth FC Ladies, Mashishing Boarding School FC Ladies and Happy Girls FC.
Mossel United Zebras FC Ladies emerged as the overall winners, with Riverside Youth FC Ladies finishing as runners-up. The champions received a trophy and medals, while the runners-up were awarded medals. Each participating team was also given a soccer ball.
Financial challenges and a shortage of facilities continue to hinder club participation, as clubs are forced to share soccer fields with teams from other leagues, such as the Promotional, Hollywoodbets and ABC Motsepe leagues. This situation is impacting the growth and effectiveness of women’s football in the region.
Individual accolades went to Ms. Banele Maphanga, who was named Best Goal Scorer and Loveness “TLB Mbokazi” Malatjie, who was awarded Player of the Tournament. Both athletes represent Mossel United Zebras FC Ladies.
The event was attended by the chairpersons of the Thaba Chweu LFA and Sports Confederation, an executive member from the Ehlanzeni Sports Confederation and a SAFA Ehlanzeni executive member. In his address, the SAFA Ehlanzeni executive urged community members to support women’s football across Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. He also commended the tournament coordinators, Mr. Siwisha Masinga and Mr. Benedict Malele, for organising a successful event.