Ezemvelo WFC scored twice in the first half to beat UCT in the 2024 Sasol National Championships at the Loerie Park Sports Grounds in Knysna on Sunday, 20 October, 2024. Photos: Sasol in Sport

KZN champs Ezemvelo WFC have beaten Western Cape’s best the University of Cape Town FC to win the 2024 Sasol National Championships finals, with both teams winning promotion to the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League in Knysna on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.

The highly-anticipated National League final saw pre-tournament favourites Ezemvelo take on form side UCT at the Loerie Park Sports Grounds in Knysna, and the match started with both teams trying to settle their nerves on the biggest stage.

Ezemvelo was awarded an early free-kick when Amanda Mkhize was fouled just outside the box, but UCT keeper Kay-Dee Windvogel made a great save to deny Nosipo Madikane the opening goal. 

On the other end, UCT couldn’t make the most of a defensive mishap as Serenity Warner picked up a loose pass, but the ever-reliable Zinhle Ndalwane was there to save the effort. Soon the KZN side were back on the attack, and Madikane’s effort in front of goal was again saved by Windvogel. 

The 30th-minute mark brought the first goal, scored when Nonhlanzelo Gwala headed the ball into the back of the net from a great corner to see her team take a well-deserved lead. 

UCT were finding it hard to get any real ball possession, which is something they enjoyed in previous games, and this made it hard for Kamal Sait’s team to create any meaningful chances. 

Ezemvelo kept up the pressure and the possession, putting through a great run of passes and Banele Madondo was soon one-on-one with Windvogel, and made no mistake in doubling her team’s lead with less than five minutes remaining in the first half. 

Mkhize was in on the action again as she ran past the UCT defender, but her attempt went wide. 

After the break, it was clear that Ezemvelo would not be resting on their laurels despite their enjoying a two-goal cushion when the match resumed, instead continuing to create chances as they looked to increase their lead. 

Michaela Liebenberg attempted a long-range shot at goal but Ndalwane kept her opponent from scoring, but a swing in intensity saw the Cape Town team put up a few more chances, despite Ezemvelo who was enjoying the majority of possession. 

Windvogel was being tested again as Nontobeko Mkhwanazi managed to get her free kick on target, but this attempt was denied but the UCT keeper. On the other side, Warner was clear on goal but Ndalwane made sure she tightened the angle to keep the ball out. 

As the match headed into the final 10 minutes, UCT continued to push for something from the match, and Nabeelah Galant came close to scoring a consolation goal, but her effort was off target, and Robyn Coetzee also found her shot saved. 

There were no further goals, and it was just not UCT’s day as Ezemvelo WFC walked away with the well-deserved 2-nil win and title. 

Results of the 2024 Sasol National Championship 

Tuesday, 15 October

09:00 – Sophakhama Ladies 0-2  Ezemvelo WFC
12:30 – Kovsies 3-2 North West University
15:00 – Ramatlaohle Ladies 2-2 Super Strikers

Wednesday, 16 October 

09:00 – North West University 2-3 Royal Wizards
12:30 – Super Strikers 1-0 FC Raycon Ladies
15:00 – Ezemvelo WFC 1-1 UCT

Thursday, 17 October 

09:00 – FC Raycon Ladies 1-3 Ramatlaohle Ladies
12:30 – UCT 6-0 Sophakhama
15:00 – Royal Wizards 0-3 Kovsies

Semi-Finals – Friday, 18 October 

11:00 – Ramatlaohle Ladies 0-1 Ezemvelo WFC
15:00 – UCT 4-0 Kovsies 

Sunday, 20 October 

11:30: FINAL – UCT 0-2 Ezemvelo WFC


Main Photo Caption: Ezemvelo WFC scored twice in the first half to beat UCT in the 2024 Sasol National Championships at the Loerie Park Sports Grounds in Knysna on Sunday, 20 October, 2024. Photos: Sasol in Sport

Photo 2 Caption: Ezemvelo didn’t disappoint those who tagged them as pre-tournament favourites, winning promotion and the 2024 title. Photos: Sasol in Sport

Photo 3 Caption: Nonhlanzelo Gwala broke the deadlock on the stroke of 30 mins, and Banele Madondo doubled the lead before half-time. Photos: Sasol in Sport

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