By Chris Totobela
The annual Diski Queens 7s tournament took centre stage at the JP Dlepu Stadium in Makhanda at the weekend.
The event took place on Women’s Day in Joza and saw scores of soccer fans from all walks of life converge to the sports ground in support of the tournament, which aimed to raise awareness on gender-based violence (GBV).
As part of National Women’s Day celebrations, toiletries and hampers were donated to young girls in the community. Speaking on behalf of the hosts, African Connection Women Football Club executive member, Nwabisa Tyelbooi, said the tournament was a big success. “It was a successful event and people came in numbers to celebrate this unique day with women. We donated a lot of toiletries leading up to the event and on the day of the event. The tournament was not about winning and that’s why our prizes were useful items that will help the young girls.”
After the group stages, eight teams were left to battle it out in the knockout stage.
African Connection, Veterans, Gora Pioneers and Jacaranda Aces all made their way into the semi-finals with the defending champions Amakonokono, dumped by Veterans on penalties in a scintillating clash.
In the first semi-final, Veterans beat Jacaranda Aces on penalties after a goalless stalemate. Gora Pioneers dumped hosts African Connection on penalties after a goalless draw.
In the final, both teams dished out good football, taking the game to each other, but failed to capitalize on the chances they had initially created. Addo-based Gora Pioneers won 3-2 on penalties and were crowned the 2024 champions.
Anele Macesu was voted the best goalkeeper while Asanda Dyasi was selected as the best player of the tournament. The leading goal scorer was Sosinda Nondlwana and Avuzwa Zamxaka was voted Queen of the Match in the final.
Gora Pioneers’ coach and manager Bonani Gora said he was over the moon with his team’s performance. “I think my girls played well and deserved to win. It was not easy but they enjoyed it. I take my hat off to the organisers for such a wonderful event that is played for such a good cause. We will definitely come back again next year.”
Tyelbooi expressed her gratitude to everyone who played a part in making the tournament a success. “We would like to thank everyone who has donated something towards the success of this event. The list is endless. We have managed to help as many young women as possible and we think next year we will be able to help even more. A big thank you to all the participants and the football fans who braved the cold and windy weather to support our young women,” she said.
