The 2023 Women’s Varsity Football tournament will be UFH’s first appearance in the prestigious competition. And they are looking forward to obtaining the experience and exposure the competition provides.
Pic: Courtesy of University of Fort Hare.
UFH head coach Asanda Mnakaniso believes his team is adequately prepared for their debut game against UKZN.
"I believe we are prepared for whatever comes our way. We've been training since March, and it's been more than enough to psychologically and physically prepare our players for this competition. Our players are hungry, and everyone wants to play.”
Mnakaniso says winning the Sasol Women’s League without losing a game has given them much confidence.
“We are excited to try and manage things in this competition. Some of our players did not have much game time in the Sasol Women's League, but I believe they have the heart and determination to do everything it takes to produce positive results for the team, so expect the unexpected”.
He says a friendly game against an experienced City lads' squad playing in the Hollywood Bets Super League assisted with the team’s preparations and structure.
“I played against UKZN while I was coaching the WSU women's football team, but it's a different team now with different strategies. We have two crucial players who are injured, which has been inconvenient for us as coaches, but we feel that whoever replaces them will be able to deliver for the team”.
UFH captain Cwayita Kapiyana echoes her head coach's sentiments, adding that in the friendly games they've played, they've seen combinations form within the team and that the three-week camp helped to strengthen their physical talents.
“Despite our optimism, the major obstacle we may face in our [first] game against UKZN is lacking the experience, but we will definitely do our best to bring the results home.”
Defenders: Zinyusile Bakholise, Zifune Mamela, Makaula Ambeswa, Sonkwala Amahle, Mbana Ongeziwe.
Midfielders: Mbhenyana Asisipho, Xhalakhe Sinovuyo, Feni Chulumanco, Ngenelwa Zikhona, Kapiyana Cwayta Bridget, Mankayi Nasiphi, Ngece Nizole, Jaxa Sesethu.
Forwards: Sakela Lime, Magqaza Nosikho, Ngcofe Asithandile, Ncayiyana Busiswa.
Goalkeepers: Dinwayo Amahle.
Full fixture lists HERE.
For information on tickets, click HERE.
by Thembela Tangana
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