KwaZulu Natal’s Lindelani Ladies will face the University of Fort Hare from the Eastern Cape in the final of the 2023 Sasol League National Champs in Bloemfontein on Sunday, 22 October.
The clash to decide the national champions from the Sasol League will be played at 11h00 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Rocklands.
Lindelani Ladies, at the third time of asking, limped into the final with an exciting display as they disposed of favourites Ramatlaohle in a tough semi-final that took place on Friday, 20 October.
The KwaZulu Natal outfit emerged victorious 3-0 with goals from Nomfundo Xulu, Lungelo Msweli, and Mbalenhle Tenzall.
Lindelani contested the 2021 and 2022 Sasol League National Champs but fell short – this time around, they put their bodies on the line and went pound for pound with Ramatlaohle, and were rewarded for their efforts with a place in the final.
“I watched the team (Ramatlaohle) playing and I saw their key players and I knew that they are good on the sides, so I had to bring in experienced players so they couldn’t cut me off. Then we tried to block them in the centre so they couldn’t make any combinations, that was our strategy. I can’t express how I feel but it’s for the kids. They fought very well. They played according to the plan. So, for me, I’m happy to have them because they are good listeners,” said an emotional Nkosinathi Vilakazi, the owner and coach of Lindelani, after his charges pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the 2023 competition.
“When you play a tournament like this you can’t be showcasing. I knew the opponent was showcasing most of the time. So, I had to press them hard, so that they couldn’t play. I had to press their defence so that they couldn’t start playing from the back. So, they did that, they pressed them. Their goalkeeper was closing too much to their defence.”
The second semi-final between Fort Hare University and other favourites, Croesus, was just as exciting with no team willing to give in.
They fought until the final whistle but could not be separated, ending in a 2-all stalemate.
While everyone kept their cool and scored in the ensuing penalty shootout, the nerves got the better of Mokgadi Seanego who shot wide to give advantage to the students.
The Sasol League National Champs debutants won the encounter 5-4 on penalties to make history of being the first Eastern Cape institution of learning to qualify for the final of the Sasol League National Champs.
“I really feel blessed, and I am proud of these players, they fought hard. Croesus was very strong for us, and have quality players who know what to do, but we saw them play and our plan worked to perfection. They have good wingers and we thought their transition play will really trouble us but we decided to force to play only from set-pieces and that’s what happened,” said Asanda Mnakaniso, head coach of Fort Hare University.
“We had to prepare the girls mentally and prior to this tournament we took part in the Women’s Varsity Cup which helped a lot, playing against the likes of Tuks Ladies and that is how we manage to contain Croesus.”
By virtue of being in the final, the two teams have also secured their spots in the Hollywoodbets Super League for the 2024 season – joining, from their provinces, City Lads Ladies, Thunderbirds (Fort Hare) and Royal AM, Durban Ladies (Lindelani).
They finalists are also in line for a big payday of R200-thousand for the overall winners, and R100-thousand for second place.
The final, which is expected to be another tough an exciting affair, will be broadcast live on SABC 2, but for those in and around Bloemfontein, entry is free.
By Matlhomola Morake
