The TUT Ladies team celebrating their hard earned victory with staff from the Directorate of Sport and Recreation.
The team shocked football lovers in Soweto when they made a magical come-back 10 minutes into the second half through a tactical combination of super-sub Pride “Pelembe” Nthite, captain Hilda “Rama G” Magaia and international Banyana Banyana player, Busisiwe “Festival” Ndimeni.
Pride netted twice for TUT, while Salome Dikgale scored from a penalty after Hilda was fouled in the eighteen area, before Busisiwe could place the fourth goal to neutralise the First Touch Academy and see TUT’s Red-Army cruising past them.
Speaking at the opening games, Dr Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) said this is a good start to something exciting. He said they have already identified the inequality gaps between some of the clubs. “It is visible that some of these teams don’t have the required facilities. Over time, we have to strengthen the playing staff, the management and technical staff of the team and infrastructure. In the meantime, we are centralising the games so that each team has an equal chance to do well by playing on good surfaces,” said Dr Jordaan.
Dr Jordaan said that although this process will take time, he was particularly impressed with the start of the League, as they saw quality football from a number of the teams and he is confident that they will grow from strength to strength.
Twenty-three goals were recorded during the two days of action – with 18 of those coming on the second Match Day. Sundowns were the biggest winners (7-0), followed by Golden Ladies (4-1) and the TUT Ladies (4-2).
Hilda Magaia, team captain, said she was overjoyed about their victory. According to her, the team effort was great and she is glad they remained committed to their mandate of fighting for one another in the game. “It wasn't easy but we made it,” she added.