Former University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) and TS Galaxy Queens Team Manager, Bonolo Mokoatle is launching a football festival that she believes will revolutionize Women’s Football is South Africa.
The 12-team competition, named the Tembisa Queens Festival NPC, will run from 29 March to August 2025 at the Xubeni Sports Grounds, next to Marulani Primary School in Tembisa.
Kickoff time for the first match will be at 9am and the games will continue until 5pm.
Mokoatle, who is also a former football head coach at the Ekurhuleni West TVET College, says she is excited about the project.
Prior to the start of the festival, Mokoatle, in partnership with the Gauteng Province’s Emergency Medical Services, will be hosting a First Aid Course today (Friday, 28 March 2025).
“I’ve seen very bad injuries in the game and as such I have made it my priority to capacitate coaches about how to handle them during games,” said Mokoatle.
The tournament’s Founding Director is no stranger to big events.
She holds a National Diploma in Sport Management, a Sports Administration Certificate, Project Management Certificate and is also armed with a SAFA D Coaching License.
CentreCircle.online caught up with Mokoatle.
- What is the league all about?
The vision is to professionalize development, have an organised, long term and sustainable program and keep away from once off tournaments, with this long-term approach. We will have a pool of talent to identify, and we don’t lose them in the system
- Why are you doing this league – what are you hoping to achieve?
More raw talent will be identified – both on players and unsung coaches and administrators. I want to create local heroines, I want to create local celebrities, role models that aspiring players don’t have to look far to be motivated.
- How is it different from the Regional or LFA or even Sasol League?
This one is a Festival – it’s all about mass participation, continuous play and there’s no relegation and promotion. It is all about girls playing the game.
- Which teams are taking part?
Local teams with immense talent, that just wanted a stable project.
- Super Falcons
- Rainbow Ladies
- Home Defenders
- JSMT
- Bodise Sports Development
- Warriors13
- Magazi FC
- Royal KM United
- Diski Nine-9
- Mapepeza Golden Girls
- Mighty Lions
- Shiny Diamonds FC
- Any particular age group?
It’s open with a rule that each team must have five (5) U15 players at the very least.
- What is the format of the competition?
It is in a festival form – to play every week all in one venue until August. No relegation, no promotion. We play between 9am and 5pm. It will only be on Saturdays for now, as we have full access to the facility.
- Is there any price money? Affiliation fee?
Yes, there are going to be prize monies, with equipment and kits handover.
- Is it going to be annual or a once off?
It’s to play every season from this year, no more turning back. For years I have seen young girls longing for opportunities and continuous programs, walking miles and taking risky routes just to play what they love. This program is central, accessible for all teams. It has given hope to this young talent. It has given them an assurance that someone cares, that someone has been hearing their grievances.
This program is to heal, give hope, encourage education and open doors where there seemed to be no one opening for them. The chants, the smiles before they get to the field, a signature that symbolizes “the future of women’s football in SA is in good hands.” I’m in love with this program.
Personally, it has re-introduced me to myself that I never knew.
- Events like these can be financially draining – do you have backing?
Yes, I have sponsors on board that I can’t disclose yet until the launch.
#VoiceOfTownshipGirls
By Matlhomola Morake
