The first girls’ Curro Halala Cup ended with Norkem Park High School making history at HeronBridge College.

Norkem Park became the inaugural champions after beating Pretoria High School for Girls 3-2 in the final, closing a weekend that brought together 16 U19 teams from across the country.

The tournament arrived during a period of growth for girls’ football in South Africa and gave young female players a national school stage on which to compete.

‘Every child matters, and the Curro Halala Cup creates an incredible platform for young women to develop and shine,’ said Cobus Loubser, CEO of Curro. ‘You cannot score a goal in life without someone else passing the ball to you. Today, we passed it to all of you.’

Knockout rounds set up the final

Pretoria High School for Girls booked their place in the final with a hard-fought victory over Curro Hillcrest, while Norkem Park overcame FH Odendaal to secure the second final spot.

Norkem Park’s run followed a strong season that included an outstanding performance against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies U20 in the Gauteng Engen Knockout Challenge.

Before the final, FH Odendaal and Curro Hillcrest contested the third-place playoff. FH Odendaal secured the bronze medal after a gruelling, physical match.

Pretoria fight back twice

The final between Pretoria High School for Girls and Norkem Park produced a tight contest. Pretoria High School for Girls levelled the match twice, but Norkem Park held their nerve to win 3-2 and claim the first girls’ Curro Halala Cup title.

As the tournament closed, the weekend showed what can happen when young female footballers receive the space to compete against teams from across the country and be recognised for their ability.

For the players, the weekend offered more than a trophy. It gave them the chance to compete, be seen and experience the momentum building around girls’ football.

‘You inspire everyone around you,’ said Cobus. ‘Curro is inspired by your resilience, your ambition, your hard work and your hope. That is exactly why we will keep creating platforms like this one. Our future is bright because you are.’

Individual awards

Alice Short of Pretoria High School for Girls claimed the Golden Glove with 4 clean sheets and multiple match-winning saves throughout the tournament.

Her teammate Mashilo Molalakgotla won the Golden Boot after scoring 15 goals and was also named Player of the Tournament.

Parktown High School for Girls received the Spirit Award.

Final standings:

1. Norkem Park High School
2. Pretoria Girls High
3. FH Odendaal High School
   
4. Curro Hillcrest
   
5. Curro Wilgeheuwel
   
6. Northern Academy
   
7. Clapham High School
   
8. Meridian Cosmo City
   
9. Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge
   
10. Parktown Girls High
    
11. Curro Soshanguve
    
12. HeronBridge College
    
13. Waterstone College
    
14. Steyn City
    
15. Curro Protea Glen
    
16. Kings Linbro Park