Women to play in elite soccer league
NGWELEZANA female football club, White City FC, will this year compete in the Sasol League - the highest level of women’s soccer in the country.
This, after topping the regional ranks and winning the provincial promotional play-offs held recently in Richard Bay.
For now the club will play its home games at the Richards Bay Central Sports Complex, as New Field sport ground in Ngwelezana is still under construction.
Speaking during the celebration, Ward 28 councillor Mandlinyoka Ntanzi congratulated the players, technical team, coaching staff and the founder of the team, Thembinkosi Chili for the good work.
Ntanzi said to have a team playing in the elite league, will motivate other young women to participate in various sporting codes.
‘I would like to urge the private sector, especially local business people to sponsor this team, to ensure that it represents our region and province successfully in the Sasol League.
‘As a community leader, I wish to urge young people, especially females to venture into other sporting codes, which were known as belonging to males only. Soccer is one of them.
‘As a municipality we have made gym equipment available to all community members residing in Ngwelezana, at the park,’ said Ntanzi.
White City FC will play their first game against Durban Ladies at 1pm on Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, and the players are determined to show off their skills to attract the eyes of Banyana Banyana coaches.
Chili said his team was more than ready to collect three points as his players proved that they were mentally and physically ready to compete in the elite league.
‘We only lost one match during the play-offs. Our players are looking forward to competing successfully.
‘Next year, the PSL will launch the Premier Soccer League for women, and we want to be part of that league.
‘I wish to thank the parents of my players for giving them enough time to participate in training and attending our games.
Team Captain, Sinethemba Thwala said they learnt a lot from the play-offs, and they were ready to compete at a national level.