 One between Gauteng and North West will be crowned champs of the Absa Women’s League National Championships 2012 when the two sides meet in the final on Women’s Day – Thursday, 09 August 2012.
The match will take place at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberly, Northern Cape.
Kickoff is at 15h00.
It will be preceded by a third place play-off between Free State and KwaZulu Natal, which starts at 11h30, also at the Galeshewe Stadium.
Gauteng booked their place following a three one (3-1) victory over KZN.
Agnes Manzini opened the scoring for Gauteng in the 20 th minute before Londiwe Mkhize equalised for KZN on the stroke of half time.
In the second half Gauteng increased their tempo and were rewarded with two goals - Prudence Setuasi grabbed the first five minutes from full time, and Manzini got her second of the day and third for Gauteng in the 70 th minute to ensure a comprehensive win and a place in the final.
Manzini has now increased her goal tally to six with one match left. She will be looking to challenge top goal scorer Free State’s Shiwe Nogwanya who is now sitting on eight goals.
Nogwanya scored in open play but missed in the penalty shootout, ending up on the losing side after her side was defeated three one (3-1) on penalties by North West after both sides were tied at two-all (2-2) after regulation time.
North West grabbed the lead in the first minute of play through Maphologelo Thuto. Palesa Mvala was unfortunate when she scored an own goal to help Free State to equalise. The latter province took the lead in the 57 th minute through Nogwanya and looked to be cruising to victory but North West captain Lokailwe Tsalaemang levelled matters in referee’s optional time, taking the match to the dreaded penalties.
Nogwanya and Noxolo Magudu missed from the spot, with only Dimakatso Mangaliso netting for Free State.
North West were accurate with their kicks. They scored all four through Tsalaemang, Thuto, Dikome Tshenolo and goalkeeper Keabetswe Moaludi, and did not need to take the fifth one as they won 4-1.
The matches have been attended by national team selectors – Anna Monate, U17 Girls Assistant Coach; Sheryl Botes, U20 Girls Head Coach and Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza.
“There is so much potential in this tournament, but a lot still needs to be done. Most teams come here unprepared, and that is something that needs to be fixed. This tournament is a good scouting ground for our national teams, so we have to give it special attention. But I believe there is room for improvement. There is a lot of individual brilliance and most teams don’t play as a unit, but that is something that can be rectified,” said Botes.
“We had a meeting with some of the coaches and got to hear their challenges, which are valid. That is why I say we still have a lot of work ahead of us especially if we want to be on par with some of the powerhouses in women’s football. But this is a good start.”
Eastern Cape were the defending champions, after they won the title in Richardsbay, KZN last year but could not get out of the group stages.
Results from Day 6: (Wednesday, 08 August)
Free State 2 - 2 North West
(North West won 4-1 on penalties)
Gauteng 3 - 1 KwaZulu Natal
Final Day Fixtures: (Galeshewe Stadium)
THURSDAY, 09 AUGUST 2012
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3 RD / 4 TH PLACE PLAY-OFF:
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11h 3 0
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Free State
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v
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KwaZulu Natal
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FINAL
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15h00
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North West
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v
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Gauteng
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NB: In the event of a draw in both matches, there will be no extra time and penalties will be taken to determine the winner. |
