The inaugural season of the Mzansi Equality League has officially kicked off in Cape Town, heralding a new era for South African football and youth empowerment, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: McKenzie invites nominations for Boxing SA Board
This six-week tournament, backed by Fundación LALIGA and LALIGA South Africa, offers young girls the chance to develop leadership skills, impact their communities and showcase their football talent.
According to LALIGA, originally launched in Cameroon as La Ligue D’Egalité in 2022 with the NGO Petrichor, the initiative has completed three successful seasons, promoting equality through football. It also expanded to Kenya, where over 400 girls in Nairobi’s Kibera neighbourhood have participated in a sports and training programme since May.
The tournament now lands in South Africa as the Mzansi Equality League, where it will continue its mission to offer young players, regardless of their background, equal access to opportunities.
The Mzansi Equality League goes beyond football, aiming to empower young girls through sport by offering a safe space to play, learn life skills and engage with their communities, while addressing socio-economic challenges and creating future opportunities.
‘We are proud to be part of the development of sport and to have an impact on the youth through football,’ said Tresor Penku, managing director of LALIGA Africa.
‘The Mzansi Equality League is an example of how collaboration and the power of sport can bring about social change. This initiative is creating new opportunities for young women in South Africa, just as it has in Cameroon and Kenya.’
Director of Fundación LALIGA, Olga de la Fuente, highlighted the Mzansi Equality League’s role in transforming lives by offering girls both football and tools for personal and educational growth, emphasising the power of sports to promote equality and social change.
Consul General of Spain in Cape Town, Jesús Silva, said: ‘We are delighted to see the launch in Cape Town of the Mzansi Equality League, a project which will help young girls here become agents of change in their communities.’
‘It will no doubt bring great benefits to our city, strengthening social bonds and fostering a culture of coexistence and respect.’
The Mzansi Equality League promotes diversity and inclusivity, empowering girls through sport and building their confidence.
Alongside the tournament, Fundación LALIGA, will offer participants educational courses, leadership workshops, and values-based training through its ‘Values to Win’ methodology.
President of Petrichor, Paul Dreisbach, stressed that the league is more than a football tournament.
It serves as a platform for young women to develop essential life skills and become future leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.
The inaugural Mzansi Equality League, launched Saturday 19 October 2024 at Fives Futbol in Clifton, Cape Town, aims to inspire more girls across South Africa to join football, strengthening youth development nationwide.
Also read:
Picture: La Liga
