Warriors Soccer Academy of Stellenbosch claimed the third place in the SCSC Women’s Tournament 2026, hosted by the Swartland Community Sport Centre (SCSC) in Malmesbury on Women’s Day (Sunday 9 August).

Held as part of Women’s Day celebrations, the tournament brought youth girls’ soccer teams together from communities, including Stellenbosch, Malmesbury, Mbekweni, Kraaifontein and Franschhoek, giving young women an opportunity to compete, showcase their talent and connect through football.

The tournament featured a group-stage competition followed by semi-finals, a third-place play-off and the final, providing a full day of competitive football. While the team from Stellenbosch claimed the bronze medal, Batalions from Mbekweni were crowned champions after they trumped Kraaifontein Female Football Academy in the final.

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Changing perceptions

For Alive Dyasi, SCSC’s Football for Development coach, the tournament was about creating opportunities for girls and challenging the limited visibility of women’s football at community level.

“In Swartland ladies’ football is not yet popular, with most attention still focused on boys’ teams. That is exactly why I wanted this tournament to happen. Girls need to know there is a place for them on the field too.”

Bringing teams from different communities together showed the potential of women’s football to unite communities and change perceptions, he added.

“From the first game to the final, I saw passion, respect and real team spirit. The players gave everything, the coaches supported each other and the supporters brought great energy. It was my first time hosting a ladies’ tournament, and although tough, seeing everyone come together as one football family made it worthwhile.”

The tournament was supported by SCORE – Changing Lives Through Sport, Hope Through Action and other partners and sponsors.

The organisers hope to build on it by creating more opportunities for young women to participate in football, develop their skills and compete at community level.

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