Tricky duels usher in National Women’s League
After months of waiting, the fourth season of the National Women's League (NWL) kicks off this weekend with 16 clubs challenging one another not just for pride and bragging rights, but a brand new trophy.
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Despite winning the league three times in a row and now have the old trophy as their bonafide property, defending champions Sekondi Hasaacas are relishing the chance of winning the new trophy.
The fixtures as released by the Women's League Board (WLB), organisers of the NWL, have some interesting match-ups in the 16-club competition, with no reprieve for the debutants.
In the southern zone, the defending champions begin their title defence with a dicey opening game at home against Lady Strikers from Cape Coast, while Police Ladies also host Soccer Intellectuals at the Police Depot.
Immigration, after surviving relegation last season, would want to have a good season and open their campaign with an away game against new entrants, Halifax Ladies at the Maritime University Park at Nungua. Elmina Bafana Ladies, reportedly supported by the Nduom Group, face fellow league debutants, Samaria Ladies at the Nduom Stadium.
The Northern zone has no reprieve for the debutants as Northern Ladies have been pitched against a tough Fabulous Ladies side, though they play at home, and Obuasi-based Subayo Golden Ladies travel to face last season's finalists, Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Lepo Ladies host Prisons Ladies with Upper Real Ladies who are making history as the first female team from the Upper West Region to feature in the league, host Ashtown Ladies.
Still without sponsors, the WLB is hoping this season will be as competitive as last season, as the competing clubs and number of matches to be played have been increased and another competition, a knock-out competition, also to be introduced
According to the WLB, all competitions for this season namely, the regional leagues, the Zonal Championships and the Champions play-off will end in August when the NWL will be crowned.