The Gauteng Development League (GDL), under the auspices of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has been a major player in the development of youth football in South Africa since its inception in 2011.
Over the years, it has successfully provided a platform for young boys to showcase their talents and improve their skills, with many of them going on to represent the country at the junior level.
Now, in a move that is set to revolutionize the women’s game in the country, the GDL has launched a league for girls. This is a significant step forward for women’s football in South Africa and is a testament to the commitment of the Gauteng province in promoting gender equality in sports.
The GDL for girls was launched earlier this month (16 April 2023) with teams from various parts of the province participating.
The league is set to be a breeding ground for future stars of women’s football, with top teams like Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Panorama, JVW, Resa, Lora Bokamoso, Tornado Fc, Highlands Park, and Tuks Ladies all participating.
The launch of the GDL for girls is a positive step towards realizing the goal of hosting the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2027. Gauteng is leading the way in promoting women’s football in South Africa, and this initiative is a trendsetter for other provinces to follow.
The league will provide young girls with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete against some of the best teams in the province. It will also provide a platform for talent identification, with scouts from the South African Women’s National teams – Banyana Banyana, U20 and U17, Hollywoodbets Super League clubs as well as Sasol League teams set to attend matches and identify potential future stars.
In conclusion, the GDL for girls is a significant step towards gender equality in sports in South Africa. It will provide young girls with the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers. It is also a step towards levelling the playing field for both genders and ensuring that women’s football in South Africa gets the recognition it deserves.
With the support of the government and other stakeholders, there is no doubt that women’s football in South Africa can reach new heights and make the country proud on the global stage.
Article supplied by Mondliwethu Dube, GDL Girls League Coordinator
