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The Philips Zodwa Khoza Memorial Cup takes place on Women's Day under the banner, Cherish a woman; care for a nation.
Orlando Pirates' chairperson: Irvin Khoza
EIGHT women's football teams will fight it out for the top honours at the annual Philips Zodwa Khoza Memorial Cup in Soweto on Women's Day, 9 August.
The football tournament, in its third year, features eight teams in a round robin affair. It is taking place at the White City swimming pool grounds.
Sponsored by Philips SA and organised by Safa Soweto, the tournament commemorates the late Zodwa Khoza, the daughter of the chairperson of Orlando Pirates Football Club, Dr Irvin Khoza.
Zo, as Khoza was affectionately known, passed away in February 2006. She was the Orlando Pirates' brand manager and was involved in the development of football both on and off the field.
This year's tournament will be played under the banner, Cherish a woman; care for a nation. The theme centres on the effect and influence women have on family, friends and society. And it promises to be bigger and better than last year's event, according to Peter Thunstane, the Safa Soweto chiefs operating officer.
"The past two years has seen the event grow to involve both Soweto teams and teams from outside the township," he says.
Khoza says the Zodwa Khoza Memorial Cup is helping to raise the profile of women's soccer not only in Soweto, but internationally. "Women are normally associated with being the pillars of strength in their households, but with the help of Philips and Safa Soweto, women are now also being recognised as stars on the sports field."
The tournament started on 19 July. The eight teams are Fabulous Ladies, last year's winners; Nigel Ladies; Pimville Fast XI; Mohlakeng Parma; Colchester; All Stars; Soweto Ladies; and Bophelong, all of which will play on Saturday, 9 August.
"The teams have been divided into two streams of four teams each. The top teams in each group will go through to the finals while the second best teams will battle for third and fourth place," Thunstane explains.
The winners will pocket R10 000 and receive gold medals and a trophy; second placed will get R5 000 and silver medals.
Thunstane says Fabulous Ladies beat Soweto Ladies 3-1 in 2007. "Six teams participated in the tournament and there was a plenty of action from all the teams. We call on women to come and support the event this year."
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