Sukazi challenges big clubs to walk the talk on women’s football

TS Galaxy Chairman Tim Sukazi has challenged South Africa’s big teams to walk the talk in terms of women’s football.

Of the 16 DStv Premiership clubs, only three have Ladies’ clubs that participate in the Hollywoodbets Super League or the Sasol promotion league. They are Mamelodi Sundowns, Royal AM and TS Galaxy.

The Galaxy team is part of the teams vying for promotion to the Super League at the ongoing national playoffs.

Sukazi was at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, where Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw against Dangerous Heroes on Monday.

“My presence here is not necessarily about TS Galaxy alone. It’s about the agenda of women in the South African football context,” he told the media.

“I think the time has come whereby as stakeholders in the game, more especially clubs at the highest level, that we have professional ladies’ teams participating in the space. I see no reason why it shouldn’t.

“So, it cannot just be a Sundowns, TS Galaxy, and now Royal AM. No, the entire league [must follow suit]. I think it’s good for the development of women’s football,” he said.

SUKAZI WANTS BIG TEAMS INVOLVED

“Women’s football is the future; I am advocating for an instance where all DStv Premiership teams are represented at the highest level of women’s football. I cannot see why we can continue like this; I find no logic. So, I am calling upon everyone to come and participate in women’s football, why not.

“We talk all kinds of things in favour of women, but we are paying lip services, we are not doing what we are supposed to do. I think for committed clubs who are deliberate for the cause, it is very easy to set up a women’s football team. We want to see the big clubs play a part; they are key to the development of women’s football.

DO WHAT IT TAKES

“I have never been to a PSL meeting where women’s football was discussed. But it also doesn’t mean that probably the league doesn’t want women’s football, I think, as clubs, we are dragging our feet, and it affects our game.”

“Clubs must form women’s football teams; they must do what it takes. You can’t have a situation where people are shying away and are paying lip service. Let’s do it, let’s be deliberate.”

The SASOL League national playoffs kicked off on Monday at Peter Mokaba Stadium and will run until Sunday, 23 October. Two teams secure promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League for next season.  

Monday Results

Group A

Sophakama Ladies 0-3 TUKS Ladies (GP)

Group B

Dangerous Hero 2-2 TS Galaxy

Group C

Lindelani Ladies (KZN) 6-0 Royal Wizards (NC)