Sasol Place in Johannesburg hosted the Sasol League National Championship draw and media launch, uniting key stakeholders. The draw kicks off the journey for teams competing for the Sasol League National Championship title, with the winners and runners-up, securing a spot in the HollywoodBets Super League. This year’s playoffs will take place at Loerie Park Sports Grounds, Knysna, in the Western Cape from 15–20 October 2024.

The champions are set to receive R200,000 and the runner-up R100,000. However, this championship is about more than just monetary rewards. It represents a great opportunity for the top two teams to elevate their game and move up the ranks of South African women’s football.

Sasol has been at the forefront of transforming women’s football through its continued investment in the Sasol League, which has played a crucial role in developing the sport and empowering female footballers both on and off the field. The Sasol League National Championship represents the pinnacle of this journey throughout the year.

This year, Sasol has launched the campaign slogan, “Fuelling Her Game,” to cement the Sasol League tournament in the hearts and minds of football supporters across the nation. This bold message invites fans to witness these players’ pursuit of greatness, fuelled by Sasol’s unwavering support. The campaign underscores Sasol’s belief that no talent should go unnoticed, and that every young woman has the potential to thrive and achieve her own version of success.

At the launch and draw event, Sasol Vice President of Group Brand and Communications, Elton Fortuin, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to nurturing talent and advancing women’s football development. He stated:

“At Sasol, we are proud to support the growth of women’s football through the Sasol League. ‘Fuelling Her Game’ demonstrates our commitment to empowering aspiring footballers, helping them reach their dreams both on and off the field, and enabling them to ‘Live the Impossible.’

This event, which will culminate in the week-long National Championship hosted by the Western Province in Knysna from 15 – 20 October, is not just a gathering but a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the remarkable spirit of these athletes. Fortuin highlighted the significance of achieving greatness for these athletes: “It’s about being role models, inspiring future generations, and honouring those who paved the way.”

“Each time these young women step onto the field, they are not only playing but breaking barriers, chasing dreams, and inspiring future generations, with Sasol standing beside them as a committed partner on their journey”, he concluded.

Banyana Banyana captain, Refiloe Jane, who began her football career in the Sasol League, also spoke at the event, sharing how she resonates with the “Fuelling Her Game” message:

“My journey in football began with a deep passion for the game, nurtured from a young age and cultivated through local-level play. As I progressed, the Sasol League became a turning point in my career, testing my skills and shaping my resilience. It provided me with invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, which ultimately helped me elevate my game. Thanks to the opportunities and exposure the league offered, I was able to represent my country on the national team and compete on international stages—milestones that might have been out of reach without Sasol’s support.

Sasol has been instrumental in fuelling my journey, providing bursaries and sponsorships that allowed me and many other girls to pursue our dreams in football. Their involvement in the Sasol League is more than just financial support; it’s a partnership rooted in a belief in the potential of female athletes. Sasol’s ongoing commitment to ‘Fuelling Her Game’ will continue to empower future generations of players, including those heading to the Sasol League National Championship in Knysna, ensuring that dreams are not only chased but achieved.”

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao, emphasised the league’s vital role in shaping the future of the sport:“We want to thank Sasol for this partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) since 2009. Despite all the challenges we have faced since, the near misses to qualify for the Olympic Games and the Women’s World Cup, you stuck with us and helped us realised dreams of thousands of girls in this country who are passionate about playing and participating in women’s football. It is through you that we see today’s successes of our national teams, especially Sasol Banyana Banyana who have made history during this period of our partnership. We have lived and continue to live the impossible”

It is because of Sasol’s fuel that we have girls playing in international leagues and we continue to produce a pool of highly talented players through the Sasol League in our provinces. This is an ideal platform for Coach Desiree, the Junior National team coaches and their technical teams to scout talent for Banyana Banyana, the U17s and U20 national teams.

I also want to also thanks the South African Football Association through the leadership of Dr Danny Jordaan and the NEC for your investment, guidance and believe in building women’s football in this country from 1993 to date. Your actions through your decisions to prioritise women football continue to build a legacy that inspires many young girls in this country to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.

Thanks to the Western Cape PEC for putting up your hands in hosting the Sasol National Playoffs this year. We hope you will make this a memorable tournament for all of us” said Monyepao.

To all the teams that have qualified for the tournament, congratulations. I wish you all the best in your preparations, your journey to the Western Cape and your participation in the Sasol National Playoffs. The stage is all yours. DARE TO SHINE! May the best team win

As teams gear up for the Sasol League National Championship from 15 to 20 October in Knysna Western Cape, fans can anticipate what promises to be a thrilling display of the best women’s football talent in South Africa.

The tournament will consist of nine group stages and three knock-out matches as follows:

• Group Stages (15 – 17 October) – broadcast on Sasol and SAFA social and digital media platforms
• Semi Final (18 October) – broadcast on SABC Sport Channel
• Final (20 October) – broadcast on SABC 1.

SOURCED FROM THE SASOL WEBSITE.