From qualifying as the best third-placed side to reaching the final!
That is the story of Eastern Cape’s City Lads Ladies.
Not only did they reach the final of the 2021 Sasol League National Champs, but they also qualified for the 2022 season of the Hollywoodbets Super League.
This was after they defeated favourites and hosts Lindelani Ladies 3-2 in the first semi-final played at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
Nandipha Booi scored a hattrick and was duly rewarded with a Diski Queen of the Match for her magnificent performance.
City are the second Eastern Cape side to play in the elite league of women’s football in South Africa, joining Thunderbirds FC.
There was joy and disbelief all over the pitch after the final whistle as the City Lads players were celebrating their success while Lindelani players were in tears after missing out.
The Eastern Cape side opened their campaign with an emphatic 12-3 win over Royal Wizards, before going down 3-1 to Vasco Da Gama in their second match. But they still managed to qualify for the last four.
The road to the semi-finals were smooth for Lindelani, getting maximum points against Copperbelt Ladies and Ixias FC, winning 4-1 and 2-1 respectively.
But the end of the road for them came from an unexpected opponent as they lost 2-3.
City Lads Ladies will play in the final on Sunday, 13 February.
By Matlhomola Morake
