Sealeni Ladies crowned champs in Top 8
Sealeni Ladies FC triumphed over Selwane White Vultures to win the Conny Matjipa Top 8 Women’s Soccer Tournament in Phalaborwa.
PHALABORWA – Sealeni Ladies FC were crowned champions of the Conny Matjipa Top 8 Women’s Soccer Tournament after a stunning 4-1 victory over Selwane White Vultures Ladies FC in the final match on Saturday, October 25.
The champions walked away with a full soccer kit, 20 gold medals, and R7 000 in prize money after a performance that sealed their dominance in the tournament.
“I feel so happy that we won the tournament. We came well prepared for this tournament. We made sure that we trained hard, improved our fitness, and strengthened our teamwork. Every match challenged us, but we played with discipline and determination. This win means a lot to us because it shows that our effort and dedication have paid off. We are proud to represent Sealeni and to show that women’s football in our area has real talent,” said Victoria Magomane, the coach.
The Conny Matjipa Foundation, in partnership with the Mmalegodi Diski Challenge, successfully hosted the third annual Top 8 Women’s Soccer Tournament, which kicked off on Saturday, October 18, and concluded with the finals a week later on Saturday, October 25. A total of eight teams from across Phalaborwa participated in the tournament.
The runners-up, Selwane White Vultures Ladies FC, received new soccer jerseys, 20 silver medals, and R5 000, while Aston Villa Ladies FC claimed third place after a 3-1 victory over Mashishimale Ladies FC in the play-off match, earning themselves new soccer jerseys, 20 bronze medals, and R3 000.
Tournament founder, Conny Matjipa, said the initiative was created to promote women’s football and provide young women with a platform to excel. “The main purpose is to grow women’s football and give them opportunities to play at a professional level and hopefully represent South Africa. I chose to focus on women because many people pay more attention to men’s football, and there are not many tournaments dedicated to women,” she explained.
Matjipa added that the growing participation and enthusiasm among the teams show that women’s football is gaining the recognition it deserves.
The tournament, which was first hosted in 2023, continues to receive support from various local organisations and sponsors, all committed to advancing women’s sport in the region.
