Diamond Ladies put on impressive shows at Engen Tournament

Kimberley’s Diamond Ladies football team made their mark at the prestigious Engen Tournament held at Wits Marks Park in Emmarentia, breaking a 22-year record despite not reaching the semi-finals.

Representing their province with pride, they competed against some of the top teams in the group stage, including heavyweights like Mamelodi Sundowns, the Storm Ladies from Mpumalanga, the Sisters from Limpopo, and the Ixias Ladies from Welkom, Free State.

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The Kimberley team started the tournament with a strong showing, securing a 1-1 draw against Sisters in their opening game, followed by a goalless draw with Storm Ladies. On Saturday, they narrowly lost 1-0 to Ixias Ladies.

In their final match against the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns, a late lapse resulted in a 2-0 defeat, with Sundowns scoring twice in the second half. Despite the setbacks, the Diamond Ladies impressed by conceding only three goals throughout the tournament, showcasing their defensive resilience.

Finishing as one of the youngest teams in the tournament, the Diamond Ladies distinguished themselves through resilience and determination in a competition where many teams faltered early. Their strong defensive record and ability to hold their own against seasoned opponents marked them as a rising force in South African women’s football.

The team’s journey, however, was not without its challenges. Key players such as Mpumelelo Moncho and Nokhanya Kwes were called up for the national Under-15 tournament, while Ntshepeng Ndlwana and Bontle Madebe participated in the FNB National Tournament. This limited the squad's preparation time, yet they remained competitive throughout the tournament.

Head coach Jack Junior reflected on the experience, saying, “The tournament benefitted us tremendously, both as coaches and players. Despite the short preparation time, our players gained invaluable exposure. It was a learning curve, and we are confident we will grow from this.”

He also praised standout performances, particularly from goalkeeper Tshepang Pholoane and star player Khanyisile Monoketsi, who caught the eye of national team coaches.

Diamond Ladies’ performance highlights the wealth of football talent in Kimberley. “Development is crucial,” the coach emphasised. “Kimberley has talented players, but often with the wrong mindset and attitude. With proper development, we can nurture this talent and take it to the next level.”

Grateful for the support received during their preparations, the Diamond Ladies are optimistic about the future, confident they have what it takes to compete at a national level.