BY Obakeng Maje

Durban Ladies and Bloemfontein Celtics produced goals galore as they recorded comfortable victories on the opening day of the Sasol League National Championships at the King Zwelithini Stadium, in Umlazi near Durban on Monday, 25 June 2012.

Twenty two (22) goals in total were scored in just two matches.

Playing in chilly evening conditions, Durban Ladies ran out 9-1 winners with the hosts giving their fans much to cheer about as striker Slindile Ngubane netted five goals in taking advantage of poor marking and being offered much space to play in by the Als Puk Tawana defence.

Durban Ladies’ Banyana Banyana international Zamandosi Cele came to the party scoring two goals while Masego Ntoagae scored a consolation goal for the North West club who are making their first appearance at the national women’s club showpiece.

Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza and his assistant Jerry Laaka were among the crowd. The duo will spend the week monitoring the players.

Also in attendance were SAFA EThekwini President Alpha Mchunu and Nomsa Mahlangu, Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee, who declared the games opened.

“Ladies you have a chance to impress, seize the opportunity. You are all aware the national team coaches are here so play your hearts out and show what you are capable of. It is these kinds of tournaments that help us identify talent for our national teams. As for you referees, this is also the time for you to improve you game. It saddens me that we don’t have enough women match officials in this country. Women’s football is growing, and it should do so in all fronts, not just on the playing personnel only,” said Mahlangu.

Earlier in day, Bloemfontein Celtics showed their intentions of mounting a serious challenge for the national title, when they thrashed Northern Cape-based RC Mills by ten goals to two (10-2). All of captain Motsamai Mokete (2 goals), Meide Howard (2 goals), Kokoane Loti (2 goals), as well as Nomtsheke Nomonde, Emily Moholoholo, Dombi Thabethe and Charlotte Mshengu found the back of the RC Mills net with the Keimos-based team contributing two further own goals to their own downfall.

Elvina May netted twice for RC Mills.

Results of Day One:
Bloemfontein Celtic 10    2 RC Mills  
Durban Ladies           9     1 Al’s Puk Tawana

Four matches will take place on Day Two on Tuesday (26 June).

In Pool A, Als Puk Tawana and RC Mills will look for points when they meet at 13h00, while Bloemfontein Ladies will face Msiphuya Ladies at 15h00.

In Pool B, defending champions Palace Super Falcons open their account with a clash against Eastern Cape side City Lads at 13h00, with Kanatla taking on Cape Town Roses at 15h00.

Fixtures of Day Two:

13h00
Al’s Puk Tawana v RC Mills
Bloemfontein Ladies v Msiphunya Ladies

15h00
Palace Super Falcons v City Lads
Kanatla   v Cape Town Roses

The tournament ends on Sunday, 1 July.