AFTER only two seasons competing in the OR Tambo Women’s Regional League, Sapphire Ladies’ FC have been promoted to the EC Sasol League.
The team was established in 2022 and started competing in an organised league in 2023.
In their first season, Sapphire Ladies did not do well, but in the second season, the technical team managed to strengthen their squad, adding some experienced players.
During the play-offs held in Matatiele this past weekend, Sapphire Ladies dominated and crushed both their opponents.
In the first match, Sapphire Ladies won 5–0 against Shining Stars; then in the final match, they won 3–0 against Malakzin Ladies’ FC.
One of the key Sapphire Ladies’ players who fought for the team last season and did the same during the playoffs, is Banele Mawabo, the young star who was wearing number 7.
During the playoffs, she attracted interest from top teams’ coaches who were attending the playoffs from Sasol League.
Chairperson Xolani Velem has congratulated his team for winning the playoffs, stating that the girls deserve the promotion to the Sasol League after their hard work.
Sapphire Ladies’ FC is now going to shift their focus to the Queen’s Cup Women’s tournament expected to be held in Ngcobo on December 18.
They are going to face top-quality players, some of them playing for Hollywoodbet Super League teams.
Meanwhile, in the Coastal stream, Park United Ladies’ FC was also promoted to the Sasol League after winning 4–1 against Black Pool Ladies’ FC.
