CAF U17 GIFT Profiles: Mamelodi Sundowns and Refilwe FC
The second edition of the Confédération Africaine de Football’s (CAF) Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) will be staged in Harare, Zimbabwe from December 8–18, 2025, with eight club sides from around the Southern African region competing for the title.
The teams are drawn from across the region for this development initiative, which forms part of CAF’s expansive plans to grow women’s football on the African continent by providing opportunities at all levels for players and coaches.
We will profile all eight sides, continuing with the two South African entrants, Mamelodi Sundowns and Refilwe FC.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The Pretoria-based club need no introduction, with a thriving men’s and women’s football division that have both been champions of the continent in senior football in the past.
Sundowns have long invested in developing their women’s structures and have reaped the rewards as domestic league winners, regional champions and two-time CAF Women’s Champions League holders.
They also have a successful Under-17 girls’ side, which is coached by current Sundowns and Banyana Banyana midfielder Kholosa Biyana.
“More than anything, Sundowns has done a lot for women’s football; it has done a lot for the development teams,” Biyana told SABC Sport. “It is our first time participating in this tournament. It will be important to take each game as it comes and hopefully perform well.
“This tournament will allow our juniors to experience international football.”
Sundowns have been drawn in Group A at the CAF U17 GIFT and face Luwinga Academy from Malawi in their opening game on 8 December at 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT).
They will also take on Otjiwarongo Sports Academy from Namibia and home side Mpopoma Sports Academy of Zimbabwe in what looks like a challenging pool.
“It is a tough draw,” Biyana admits. “We need to do our homework since we do not know what to expect. I do know that Zimbabwe is good and Malawi is also tough. I know that all teams will want to beat teams from South Africa because of how the national team performs.
“It is also important for these young girls to experience football at a high level, to make it easier for them when they start playing for the national team.”
Fixtures:
08 Dec, 12:00: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Luwinga Academy
11 Dec, 12:00: Otjiwarongo Sports Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
14 Dec, 15:00: Mpopoma Sports Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
REFILWE FC
Refilwe is based in the East Rand region of South Africa’s Gauteng province and has a strong focus on youth development.
They were formed in 2024, so are new entrants on the scene, but have made a rapid impact with excellent performances in the Gauteng Women’s Development League.
Under the leadership of founder and chairman Lebo Ramodike, the club has made swift progress and will send their Under-17 side to Harare to compete in the CAF U17 GIFT.
They have been drawn in Group B and will open their campaign against Lesotho’s Lishoeshoe on December 9 at 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT).
They will also face Okakarara Golden Ladies from Namibia in their pool, along with Aguila Stars of Zambia.
The club has several promising young players, and this tournament offers an opportunity to show their quality and the progress they have made in a short time on the international stage against their peers from across the Southern African region.
Fixtures:
09 Dec, 12:00: Refilwe FC vs Lishoeshoe
12 Dec, 12:00: Okakarara Golden Ladies vs Refilwe FC
15 Dec, 15:00: Aguila Stars Women FC vs Refilwe FC
