16 teams, 300 players!
One Day, one Trophy, one Champion!
The University of the Johannesburg Soweto Campus is the place to be on Sunday, 26 March 2023 when the annual Women’s Diski Challenge returns for a third season.
The tournament is the brainchild of Matatiele, Eastern Cape-born Bonolo Mokoatle, whose main aim is recognise and reward the talent that abounds in women’s football.
She holds a coaching certificate and Diploma in Sport Management.
“Lack of opportunities at the development level for talent identification drove me to start this programme. The youth in the townships who would play street football day in and day out made me realise the immense talent we have in South Africa. The urge to preach the importance of education and football also pushed me in wanting to do this while encouraging sisterhood on and off the field,” said Mokoatle.
The tournament is open to players over 18 years of age.
UJ Ladies won the inaugural competition in 2021 with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies lifting the trophy last year.
The big question is who among the 16 participants will be crowned champions in 2023:
The confirmed teams:
- Vuyo Ladies
- Future Stars
- UJ
- Chiefs Jnrs
- Fire Sisters
- Home Defenders
- Orange Army
- Joburg United
- Daveyton Eagles
- Super Midrand Ladies
- United Ladies
- Phiri Ladies
- Tembisa Sporting
- M Superstars
- South West Gauteng College
- Phomolong Ladies FC
“This initiative is not only about building a strong foundation for female footballers but also about uplifting their talent, determination, and spirit. The 1st leg of the tournament will be played in a knockout format that will culminate in a late-afternoon final,” said the organisers in a statement.
The tournament has been further boosted by news that betting company 10bet South Africa will be the headline sponsor, making the competition bigger and better.
“Here at 10bet, we are passionate about sports, and even more passionate about making a long-lasting impact in our communities. This International Women’s Month, we are excited to support the Women’s Diski Challenge as it aims to achieve equal opportunities and empowerment for females through soccer,” said Michelle Colborne, Chief Revenue Officer, 10bet Africa.
10bet is a global online sportsbook and gaming platform with 20 ears of experience, offers passionate bettors and online game lovers over 2000 betting markets, more than 25 000 live events per month and a pool of over 300 exciting games.
By Matlhomola Morake
