Bloemfontein Celtic wins Women’s League in Kabokweni

The 2017 Sasol Women’s Soccer League final, hosted at KaBokweni Stadium over the weekend, saw Bloemfontein Celtic beat Cape Town Roses 2-0. The team, which defended the title they won last year, returned home with the R200 000 grand prize and the majority of individual trophies.

Bambanani Mbane, Celtic’s 27-year-old defender, received two awards. She was top goalscorer and queen of queens for her consistent tactics on the field. “The games were tough. Teamwork helped us,” said Mbane.

The Eastern Cape finished third after defeating Witbank-based Coal City Wizards 2-0. Banyana Banyana interim coach, Vera Pauw thanked the women for the wonderful soccer played. “This week we saw a fantastic showcase of SA women’s football. The quality has been raised and is much better compared to last year’s competition. The games were well-organised and there was tremendous support from the province. The stadium was filled from the beginning of the tournament to the last day,” Pauw said.

“Mbombela should be proud to have hosted such a tournament.”
Pauw’s sentiments were echoed by the CEO of the South African Football Association, Danny Jordaan. “There is a lot of football for the women, and I am happy with the standard.”

Jordaan said he was impressed by the tactics shown by Mbane, who maintained her cool and was in control throughout the games.
“I first saw her during a game in Rustenburg and I asked the coach if she is Banyana material. I wish to have a central defender like her in Bafana Bafana – relaxed, calm and in control. “Even the players voted for her as the player of the tourney,” he said.

Jordaan said the women played well, making square passes, which is how South Africans should play and run the ball.
Sasol’s marketing manager, Nozipho Mbatha said they were proud to have sponsored such an event, which showed growth and professionalism year after year since the company started the league in 2009.