The NEPAD 11 women’s team put up a spirited fight in a friendly match against GIZ United at the CSIR sports field in Pretoria.

The team, coached by Kossi Toulassi, fiercely defended its goal, in the 30 minute a-side match, which ended in a Two Nil victory to GIZ.

This is the second time the two teams have played, the first game last August 9, to mark National Women’s month. The Day commemorates the march by women in 1956 to petition against legislation that required blacks to carry the "pass", special identification documents which curtailed an African's freedom of movement during the apartheid era.

The aim of the match which was refereed by Mr Ousmane Djibo, was to highlight the important work that GIZ and NEPAD are doing to promote women’s empowerment, a key vector to Africa’s transformation.

Striker Dora, with the ball

Director of Corporate Service Mr Bankole Adeoye lauded the good partnership between the two organsiations and reiterated the important role of women in Africa’s development.  The occasion was graced by Keneilwe Mathibela former Captain of South Africa’s National women’s team) Banyana Banyana

GIZ’s Project Manager for Pan-African Institutions Silke Hansen said it was remarkable that women today could even play football. She said in German football for women was only unbanned in the 1970’s.  “It was considered dishonourable and not good for a woman’s status and physique to play football,” said Ms Hansen.

Head of NEPAD;s Gender Programme Rosalie Lo, awarding the players with medals

Rosalie with the Captain of the winning GIZ United

Although the NEPAD team did not win, the match great fun for all who attended, and the NEPAD 11 team is more determined to win the trophy next year.