The Mzansi Equality League returns to Cape Town, doubles down on empowering the next generation of girls through football

The Mzansi Equality League has returned to Cape Town for its second edition, aiming to help the development and empowerment of young women’s football in South Africa. The six-week tournament, backed by FUNDACIÓN LALIGA and LALIGA, will engage 200 girls aged between 11 and 17 from different communities across the Cape Town area, giving them the opportunity to take part in an initiative that combines football, education, and community building.

The 2025 season, which kicked off this Saturday, runs from 11 October – 15 November, and will be hosted at Fives Futbol (Century City) in collaboration with local clubs and schools. Nine teams from the Cape Town area will compete across U13 and U16 categories. Every participant receives training gear and PUMA kits while clubs benefit from midweek training support.

In addition to the match schedule, the Mzansi Equality League features a range of complementary programmes, including a coach training course led by a qualified instructor from FUNDACIÓN LALIGA. The course, attended by 25 local coaches, was based on the internationally recognized ‘Values to Win’ methodology, a cornerstone of the foundation’s work not only in Spain but across the world. This socio-sporting approach blends technical training with personal development and teamwork, creating educational experiences that have a lasting, positive impact on young players.

The ‘Mini Stars’ programme will introduce up to 75 girls aged 8–12 to football through inclusive sessions that focus on confidence-building and fun. Former Real Sociedad star and patron of FUNDACIÓN LALIGA Aintzane Encinas launched this programmer with a special clinic.

“The Mzansi Equality League has quickly become a symbol of possibility for young girls across South Africa,” said Tresor Penku, Managing Director of LALIGA Africa. “By doubling its reach this year, we’re investing in the future, not just of football, but of equality, education, and leadership too.”

Olga de la Fuente, Director of FUNDACIÓN LALIGA, said: “We are very proud to see how the Mzansi Equality League continues to grow and transform lives. Football has a unique power to open doors, build confidence, and foster social change. This project allows us to strengthen that link between sport and opportunity.”

The Mzansi Equality League cements Cape Town’s place within the La Ligue D’Égalité network, which now spans Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa. Originally launched in Cameroon as La Ligue D’Egalité in 2022 together with Petrichor, the initiative has already enjoyed four successful seasons in the central African country, fostering equality and inclusivity through football.