Zenzeleni Primary School gave Women’s Day celebrations an extra dose of excitement after being crowned the new Region A girls’ football champions.

The Alexandra school dethroned two-time defending champions Bonwelong Primary School before completing its title-winning campaign with a 3-0 victory over Ivory Park’s Mikateka Primary School in the final at Rabie Ridge Stadium on August 8.

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Bringing together 23 primary schools for a day of competition, talent scouting, and empowerment, the annual tournament allowed young female footballers to showcase their skills.

Bonwelong took the title from 2023 champions Ekukhanyisweni Primary School in 2024 and successfully defended it the following year, before their two-year reign came to an end this year.

Region A sport and recreation department sports officer Mmakwena Malete said the tournament was about more than winning trophies but about creating opportunities for girls to grow through sport.

“As a woman, I’m so excited to be here and to be part of today’s games. We are here in remembrance of the women who dared to stand up for equality, justice and the rights that we enjoy today,” said Malete. “Through their courage, we are here, and we are having this tournament today.

“We want to give these girls an opportunity to play with others, to build relationships and to showcase their talents and also to build their confidence on this football field.”

She added that the department hoped some of the players participating in the tournament would go on to represent South Africa at the highest level. “We want to see the future players of Wafcon.”

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The tournament attracted teams from across Region A, including Bonwelong, Diepsloot Combined, Carter, Kanana, Nokuphila, Ebomini, PS Tsosane, Zenzeleni, Ebony Park, Mikateka, Akani, Emfundisweni, Dr Mathole, Skeen, Midrand, Gordon, Iphutheng, Halfway House, Ekukhanyisweni, Dr Knak, Sedi Laka, Witkopen, and Pholosho primary schools.

The presence of a Mamelodi Sundowns talent scout added another dimension to the tournament, with players given an opportunity to potentially catch the attention of scouts.

Sundowns scout Themba Ngwenya said the club was looking for promising young players across its girls’ and women’s football structures. “I am here to scout for talent for the club. We have U11, U13, U15, U17, U20, and senior teams, both in girls’ and women’s soccer,” he said.

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“It’s important to catch them young because when players are still young, it is easy to teach and train them and prepare them when they show potential.”

He also highlighted the broader role of sport in helping young people from disadvantaged communities overcome social challenges.

“We need to try and take them away from the streets, and we know there are social ills. We’re trying to protect them from those challenges,” Ngwenya added.

Ngwenya concluded that not every learner would necessarily pursue sport professionally, but opportunities should be available for children to discover where their strengths lie.

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