Sesa Football Academy (SFA) emerged the champions at the 8th Vedanta Women’s League (VWL), marking their maiden title victory in only their second season, post their debut in 2023.
The SFA Lionesses dominated the league, maintaining an all-win record and showcasing exceptional attacking and defensive prowess, scoring 47 goals while conceding only 4.
The final match saw SFA face Livvals SC in a thrilling contest, where the SFA Lionesses triumphed 5-2, capping their championship run in style. The team’s consistency and determination throughout the season firmly established them as a dominant force in women’s football in Goa.
The league culminated in a grand prize distribution ceremony, attended by Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA for Curtorim Constituency, Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President – Goa Football Association (GFA), Maymol Rocky, Chairperson – GFA Women’s Committee, Antonio Pango, Vice-President – GFA, along with senior officials from Vedanta Sesa Goa.
“The outstanding performance of Sesa Football Academy’s Senior Women’s Team in the 8th Vedanta Women’s League is truly commendable. Their remarkable journey to the championship showcases their dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. Vedanta’s initiative in fostering women’s football has significantly contributed to the growth of the game in Goa, and I congratulate the entire team for this historic achievement,” said Alexio Reginaldo.
SFA’s championship campaign was powered by outstanding team performances and individual brilliance.
• Arpita Pednekar was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for her crucial contribution in the final.
• Sushmita Jadhav, Captain of the team, was honoured as ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her leadership and consistency.
• Ashika Gadekar was named ‘Best Goalkeeper’, recognising her exceptional performances between the posts.
The six participating teams in the 8th Vedanta Women’s League were Sesa Football Academy, Livvals SC, Calangute Association, Maina SC, Patrong SC, and Guardian Angels, with Livvals SC bagging the runner-up spot & Calangute Association securing the third position.
Expressing his sentiments on the occasion, Dr. Caitano, President-GFA said: “The Vedanta Women’s League has been a game-changer for women’s football in Goa, and signifies Vedanta’s unwavering commitment to transforming sports. Their efforts, in collaboration with the Goa Football Association, have not only strengthened women’s football but also inspired more young girls to take up the sport in Goa. We look forward to the VWL growing bigger & being a catalyst for success for women footballers in the years to come.”
Now in its eighth edition, the Vedanta Women’s League has played a pivotal role in elevating women’s football in Goa to national standards. Cumulatively over 1,400 aspiring players have participated in the league since its inception, with many going on to represent Goa and India. The league continues to be a catalyst for young talent, inspiring the next generation of women footballers to dream big and reach new heights.
Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa stated,“Congratulations SFA Lionesses! Sesa Football Academy Senior Women’s Team are Champions at the 8th Vedanta Women’s League! Spectacularly winning the prestigious title with n ‘all win’ record. The Vedanta Women’s League continues to be the ‘League of Dreams’ nurturing the aspirations of many a young girl!”
Leena Verenkar, Head – CSR, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said: “The success of our SFA Lionesses in the 8th Vedanta Women’s League is a moment of immense pride for us. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we are deeply committed to nurturing young talent and providing platforms that enable them to shine. The Vedanta Women’s League has been instrumental in empowering aspiring women footballers and strengthening the sports ecosystem in Goa. We will continue to support initiatives that drive excellence in sports and inspire future generations.”
