The opening league matches for the new SAFA Women’s League, formerly known as the Sasol Women’s League, will no longer take place this weekend as initially scheduled. According to the provincial administrator of the league, Ms Refiloe Khoza, the postponement was influenced by several factors, including the lack of sponsorship for the league.
Khoza confirmed that the relationship between the league and former sponsor Sasol lapsed at the end of last season, and that organisers are still trying to secure a new sponsor. She said the lack of sponsorship has prompted several proposals aimed at reducing the cost of running teams for club owners.
Khoza said the league will not be split into two streams as in previous seasons, but will instead be divided into three geographical groups of six teams each.
The six teams in the first group are Toronto Ladies, Farm Girls Ladies FC, Golden Diamond Ladies, Kanatla Ladies, Schoonoord Chiefs Ladies and Milestone Ladies.
The second group comprises Dinaledi Ladies, Ma-Indies Ladies, Real Mighty Ladies, Sealene Ladies, Sisters FC and University of Limpopo Ladies.
Lacoste Morning Stars, Masakona Liberty Experience, Rodadau FC, Sinthumulekutama FC, Tshandama Young Stars and Univen FC make up the third group.
Khoza said the teams will play in a festival format to reduce travel costs. Teams will play two matches in a day, and each team will have an opportunity to host a festival.