UL remain realistic over Varsity Football dreams

The University of Limpopo make their third appearance in the Women’s Varsity Football tournament, having finished in seventh place in 2021 and reached the semi-final in 2013.

UL are in Group B alongside the host’s University of Johannesburg, defending champions University of the Western Cape and the North-West University, kicking off their tournament against the latter.

UL football manager Danny Strada Dhlamini feels his side, who also competes in the Sasol league, got to be realistic in the tournament after ending the group stages with three defeats in 2021.

“The preparations have been going fairly well,” he told Varsity Football.

“Everyone wants to win the tournament but we’ve got to be realistic. Wishes cannot just be horses otherwise we’d all be riding.”

They did beat the Durban University of Technology 2-1 in the seventh-place playoff in 2021 and Dhlamini hopes they can better that result this time around.

“If we can get the position we achieved last year or at least go one better, that would be great for us.”

Their opener against NWU Women will be shown live on SuperSport Variety (SS9) at 17:00 this evening.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Princes Mokgaetsi Aphane — She is a very good option from the central attacking area. She is a deadfall specialist, with a very dangerous free-kick.

Koketso Mantwa Majadibodu — She is the tower in UL’s defence, organising the back four. She is very vocal, very organisational and very courageous as well.

DID YOU KNOW?

— UL reached the Varsity Football semi-final in 2013 but lost 4-0 against TUT.

TEAM FACT FILE

Nickname: Smart Girls

Province: Limpopo

Appearances: Two (2013, 2021)

2022 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Palesa Mokgadi Mahloana, Nonkhululeko Predacious Evidence Nobela

Defenders: Shadi Theodorah Seaneng, Melita Dikeledi Matsee, Josephine Galane, Kgabo Reabetswe Choshi, Koketso Mantwa Majadibodu, Dineho Vision Mamatepa, Kgothatso Francinah Segabetla, Kgalushi Ingeneeous Sethemane

Midfielders: Sharon Mamoraka Mathebatha, Princes Mokgaetsi Aphane, Boniswa Michel Makhale, Nompumelelo Princess Mathabela, Kelebogile Radebe, Machuene Francinah Sebone, Karabo Youlanda Mochekgechekge

Strikers: Morongwa Mmatsheko Mbulahene, Kanyane Jane Rachidi, Amukelani Adelate Kanyan

TECHNICAL TEAM

Head coach: Adolf Modiba

Assistant coach: Ronald Molepo

Goalkeeper coach: Elsie Sebolaishi Mabitsela

Physiotherapist: Portia Sebola

Strength & Conditioning coach: Sonica Fritz

Team manager: Bethwell Makukuli

Football manager: Danny Strada Dhlamini