The Mzansi Equality League was launched in Clifton last week. Here are some of the girls who played in the seven-a-side tournament. Supplied
The Spanish La Liga, one of the world’s leading football organisations, has launched another project in South Africa as part of its commitment to grow the game globally.
Over time, La Liga and several Spanish clubs have embarked on many projects across South Africa and several young South Africans have been enrolled at Spanish football academies.
A week ago, Fundación LaLiga, a division of LaLiga, that aims to create future pathways for young girls and foster community development through sport, launched the Mzansi Equality League in Clifton.
The project is built on a six-week tournament for young girls. It offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and positively impact their communities. The girls can also showcase their talent on the pitch.
The project, originally launched in Cameroon as La Ligue D’Egalité in 2022 together with Petrichor, an NGO focused on human rights and community development, the initiative has already enjoyed three successful seasons in the central African country.
The tournament was also launched in Kenya together with NGO IBL. Since May, La Ligue D’Egalité has been running a sports and training programme for over 400 girls in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
The tournament continues its mission to offer equal access to opportunities for young players, regardless of their background. It is designed to empower young girls through sport, providing a safe, structured environment where they can play organized football, learn essential life skills, and engage with their communities.
The tournament aims to address socio-economic challenges by creating future pathways in life for the participants.
“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.”
Olga de la Fuente, Director of FUNDACIÓN LALIGA, said: “We’re very happy to see how the Mzansi Equality League can transform lives through football. This project doesn’t just offer girls a space to play football, it also provides them with tools for their personal and educational growth. We genuinely believe in the power of sports to drive social change, and we are committed to supporting projects which promote equality and inclusivity.”
Jesús Silva, Consul General of Spain in Cape Town, said: “We are delighted to see the launch of the 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.”
He added that the Mzansi Equality League promotes diversity and inclusivity, providing girls from all walks of life the opportunity to be a part of a unique community initiative, building up their confidence and empowering them through sport.
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