Women’s league set for 2019 kickoff
Jordaan says top PSL clubs already planning teams
SA Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has revealed it’s all systems go for the establishment in 2019 of the long-awaited women’s professional league.
“It’s going to be a strong and exciting league,” he said on the sidelines of the Sasol League National Championships at the Kabokweni Stadium on Saturday.
“Some top-flight clubs have already indicated that they will establish women’s football teams.”
Jordaan, speaking before the exciting final, added: “Next year will be the last year of the Sasol League.
“The teams that qualify and come to the final play-offs will be the nine provincial champions. Those nine teams will automatically qualify into the national league,” said Jordaan.
“We will have a league of 16 clubs.
“Nine provincial champions plus already two PSL clubs [Sundowns and Celtic].
“We still have spaces for another four. We will use the basis of first come to accept PSL teams for the four remaining spaces.”
The SA football governing body’s bo ss hopes the improved standard of the women’s game, shown at the national champs, will inspire national teams to consolidate to qualify for the World Cup.
“The quality of women’s football is tremendous, if you look at the passes and the ability of each and every player.”
The Safa president also praised Celtic and Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane for scooping the competition’s prestigious accolades, Diski Queen of the Tournament and Queen of Queens of the Tournament.
“She is an outstanding player, a typical central defender,” Jordaan said.
“Never under pressure and never rush.
“She is always in control. I wish we had such a central defender on the men’s side.”
In the final match of the tournament yesterday, Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies beat Cape Town Roses 2-0 to secure their victory and dominance in the tournament.
‘ ‘ The quality of women’s football is tremendous