Blue Birds Ladies Football Academy captain Tshiamo Segwatle capped off a remarkable 2025 season by clinching the Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) Player of the Tournament award, a personal milestone she describes as one of her proudest achievements of the year.

Segwatle’s performances throughout the competition, earned her Man of the Match accolades in both the Round of 16 and quarter-finals, before ultimately being named the standout player of the entire tournament. “I did not expect it, to be honest. I was very happy when I received the award because it was one of the biggest achievements I had last year.”

Read more: Lovey plans to play soccer until he makes it to pro

Despite falling short in the final, Segwatle insists the journey was more rewarding than the result. “I played my heart out and even though we did not win the tournament, becoming the underestimated team to reach the finals was the best feeling ever.”

While the team began their campaign as outsiders, finishing third in their group, they soon clawed their way into the knockout stages. They secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Future Stars in Round of 16, followed by another 1–0 win against Springs Home Sweepers in the quarter finals, a 1–0 triumph over Electrical Ladies in the semi-finals, and a tense 0–0 draw against giants Mamelodi Sundowns, before losing on penalties in the finals.

Segwatle recalled the highs and lows of the tournament, noting how some moments best showcased her abilities. In the match against Sundowns in the group stage, the Blue Birds fell 2–0 after lapses in concentration, but still, Segwatle recalled some of the stellar shots on target she made, which, had it not been of the Sundowns’ talented keeper, would have got in.

Also read: Roosevelt Young Stars soccer team diversifies into farming

Again, in the quarter-final clash with Springs, she said she rebounded from a poor first half to set up the winning goal. “I took a shot that hit the crossbar. Luckily, it bounced back to my teammate Thabisile Khumalo, who scored from long range while the keeper was out of her post. That’s how we won the game.”

Segwatle said the Blue Birds’ defensive resilience was a hallmark of their run, conceding no goals from the Round of 16 until the final. She explained that their attacking trio and midfielders consistently carved out spaces, allowing wingers to exploit gaps against more experienced opponents.

As runners-up, the team walked away with R10 000 prize money and 11 pairs of soccer boots – a reward for their spirited campaign. “I am very proud of how our defense stood tall and how our midfielders created opportunities. Overall, I am just proud of our performance this season and how we made our coaches proud.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!