The last match of the day at the 2016 Sasol League National Championship in Mosselbaai, Western Cape, between the host team UWC and JVW (Gauteng), proved to be a highly contested affair at the D’Almeida Stadium.

The last match of the day at the 2016 Sasol League National Championship in Mosselbaai, Western Cape, between the host team UWC and JVW (Gauteng), proved to be a highly contested affair at the D’Almeida Stadium.

Captained by Banyana Banyana players, Janine van Wyk (JVW) and Leandra Smeda (UWC), the star-studded teams dished out the most entertaining match of the tournament so far, and had the spectators on their feet for most parts.

There were no less than ten national team players on the field, and the experience showed in the match. It was an end to end battle.

JVW had Van Wyk, Yolula Tsawe, Linda Motlhalo, Gabriela Salgado (u20), Mamello Makhabane and Nompulelelo Nyandeni (who made way for another Banyana Banyana player Amanda Dlamini following an injury).

UWC ran out with Smeda, Thembi Kgatlana, Kelso Peskin, Thalea Smidt (u20) as well as Amogelang Motau and Puleng Moremi who were both on the bench.

JVW opened in the scoring in the 18th minute when Motlhalo, who was having a cracker of a game, scored from the penalty spot. Kgatlana made it 1-1 just ten minutes later.

The game became more alive after the goals as the teams attacked each other relentlessly and at times the tackles were a bit rough.

In the 42nd minute, Salgado’s long-range shot gave the UWC goalkeeper no chance and restored her side’s lead, but Kgatlana found the equaliser in referee’s optional time.

Thirteen minutes into the second half, Salgado found the back of the net again to make it 3-2 to JVW and the Gauteng champions held on until the final whistle.

The result means UWC have now lost two matches in a row, and have minimised their chances of proceeding to the last four – they were defeated 2-0 on the opening day by Durban Ladies.

In other matches played earlier in the day, Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies hit 11 goals without any reply from Richmond Ladies. Boitumelo Rabale and Nomonde Nomtsheke each scored a hatrick, while Zenhle Chabaku chipped in with two. Tembekazi Ndlapu, Melinda Kgadiete and Bukelwa Fuzile were also on the scoresheet with a goal each.

Ndlapu’s goal was perhaps the fastest in the tournament so far – it was scored in the 2nd minute.

The score was 6-0 at the break.

This was Celtic’s second victory in as many matches as they defeated Coal City Wizzards 3-2 on Day 1, and they are almost guaranteed a place in the next round.

City Lads Ladies were brought down to earth with a bang as they were defeated 2-0 by Kanatla Ladies of Limpopo – just a day after winning 10-2 against Golden Ladies.

One goal in each half was enough for Kanatla Ladies to claim victory.

Banyana Banyana player Disebo Mametja found the back of the net 16th minute and Linky Twala made it two twenty minutes before the final whistle.

The winners though had to play the last half an hour with 10 players after Tebogo Mnisi was given her marching orders in the 60th minute for denying an opponent a goal-scoring opportunity.

With 19 goals scored on Day 1, a further 18 was recorded – which makes it 37 in six matches.

On Day 3 Richmond Ladies will play against Coal City Wizzards, UWC takes on Durban in another tough match. The last match of the day will have Kanatla Ladies up against Golden Ladies.


DAY 1 RESULTS – 2016 Sasol League National Championship:
Durban Ladies 2 0 UWC
Golden Ladies 2 10 City Lads Ladies FC
Coal City Wizzards 2 3 Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies
DAY 2 RESULTS:
City Lads Ladies 0 2 Kanatla Ladies
Bloemfontein Celtic 11 0 Richmond Ladies
UWC 2 3 JVW
DOWNLOAD CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY

DAY 3 FIXTURES:
RICHMOND LADIES vs COAL CITY WIZZARDS 14h00 Field B
JVW vs DURBAN LADIES 14h00 Field A
KANATLA LADIES vs Golden Ladies 16h30 Field A