Thembisa hosts thrilling Youth Super Championship and Inaugural Women’s Super-Cup
The fourth annual Lima Sports League Youth Super Championship recently concluded in Thembisa, featuring an exciting display of young talent and the introduction of the first-ever Women's Super-Cup.
The Lima Sports League proudly hosted its fourth annual Youth Super Championship from June 14 to 16 at Moriting in Thembisa.
This year’s movement began with a bold and simple vision: to unite local teams and established academies, bridging the gap and providing young girls with a platform to compete at a higher level.
Having been active for seven years, Lima Sports also introduced its inaugural Women’s Super-Cup during the event.
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“Seeing our township welcome visitors from all walks of life, different races, and backgrounds, and witnessing such high-level competition was incredible,” said Derrick Maphoru, a tournament facilitator and representative of Lima Sports Programme.
“We identified a major gap in female football development and stepped in to empower young girls through sport.
“Initially, some parents did not understand the vision, but once they saw the opportunities and community support, they fully came on board.”
Maphoru also shared some of the challenges they faced and outlined improvements needed for future events “We need better infrastructure, enhanced security, mobile toilets, sound systems, branding, and a bigger budget for proper staffing and logistics.”
Despite less-than-ideal playing conditions, top academies such as JVW, Panorama, Edenvale, and KFC attended.
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Maphoru expressed concern about injuries but praised the impressive style of play.
“Thembisa has some of the best female players who held their own, even reaching the finals against top academies.”
His favourite match was the Panorama vs KFC game.
“Number 7 from Panorama, one of the youngest players, was phenomenal. Her pace, timing, crosses, and composure captivated everyone. On the KFC side, Ditshwanelo Mazibe led with confidence and uplifted her entire team.
“My MVP of the tournament was Tshegofatso Chauke. She gave her all in the U15 game and then scored the winning goal in the U19 final. She is a young girl with a big heart; proof that women’s football is rising.”
Phomolong United won the Youth Super Championship in the U11 category, while in the U12 section, Everyday Heroes walked away with the top title.
In the U15 category, the Rabie Ridge Brave Lions were crowned champions and in the U17 category, the Golden Boys walked away with top honours.
