In its third instalment the Womens Heritage Cup kicked off spectacularly during the festve season at the Fiat stadium in Zone 9 Meadowlands. Led by the tournament organiser Lerato Kabamba and her team with Forwardzone Cares as the main sponsor produced yet another successful tournament. A company extensively dedicated to soccer development within communities.
The persistent festive rain couldn’t dampen the chanting enthusiastic fans who were treated to subliminal action packed football.
The spectator turnout was a joy to behold, beating the previous year spectacle. A stunning football arena that left some visiting club members bewildered and marvelling at seeing Premier Soccer League like change room jersey displays. With the anticipated 8 clubs showdown, Lerato mentioned that the entrants application list became oversubscribed by as many as 32 teams. She was then left with the challenge of carefully trimming down the competitors. Hopefully the future will afford her to host a 16 teams 2 day encounter.
In the knockout stages, Killarney’s Mighty Ladies blasted Zamblor Ladies from Motsoaledi by 3 goals to 1, while Ezase’sthupeni Ladies from Katlehong annihilated Meadowlands zone 1 KO Ladies by 6 goals to 2. In another encounter Freedom Park’s Brave Ladies smashed Queens from Kagiso 5 nil and Meadowlands zone 9 outfit United Ladies thrashed Hillbrow’s Golden Warriors 3 nil. In the Semis Lerato’s team United Ladies got ousted by Brave Ladies 2 – 1, followed by Ezase’sthupeni Ladies overcoming Mighty Ladies 2 nil. In the finals Ezase’sthupeni Ladies lifted up the Heritage trophy by outclassing Brave Ladies by 2 goals to 1.
The growth of the spectacle was highlighted by more sponsors coming to play. With the officials hand-picked from the Soweto Local Football Association. Diadora sponsored all the teams with outfits and accessories, guaranteeing a seamless vibrant flare. Energade energy drink came in handy with athletic flavours to hydrate and quench the summer heat.
Kortex played a key roles as sanitary towels are a basic need, and each girl playing walked away with a pack. And Lifebouy household products are well known for good hygiene. It is remarkable that the acquisition of more sponsors underscores the project management prowess of Lerato Kabamba. A major victory for women’s professional and development football. Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
