UWC WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CLUB - TRIUMPH BEYOND THE PITCH

BY LONWABO MARELE

THE TEAM’S UNITY AND DEDICATION MADE THE DIFFERENCE.

IN THE HEART OF BELLVILLE, a group of young women are making waves on and off the football field. Meet the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Women’s Football Club, led by co-captains Chelsea Joy Daniels and Sinegugu Zondi. Their Varsity Football championship in August marked a triumphant moment for the team, but the story behind their success is as inspiring as the win itself.

DANIELS, A 21-YEAR-OLD STRIKER with a deep passion for football, hails from Blackheath in Cape Town, and she says playing for the team is not only about kicking a ball; it’s about finding the balance between academics and the beautiful game. “We focus on football and academics and we’re constantly reminded that academics come first, then football follows,” she says.

ZONDI, FROM PIETERMARITZBURG, KwaZulu-Natal, says playing for UWC Women’s Football Club is a unique experience. “It’s so different from other teams in terms of how organised things are here,” says the defender. “We have the best coaches, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team.”

THE CHAMPIONSHIP WIN WAS NO SMALL FEAT, and Daniels vividly remembers the journey. “We started off with a loss against UJ in the first group-stage match,” she says. It was a tough tournament, with matches scheduled every day. However, the team’s unity and dedication made the difference. We motivated and supported each other to push through even when things got tough,” says Daniels.

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LET’S MEET SOME OF THE UNSUNG HEROES who contributed to UWC Women’s Football Club’s success.

BONGEKA GAMEDE: Daniels singles out the midfielder as the team’s most talented player. Gamede’s natural flair for the game is hard to match and her skills are nothing short of mesmerising.

TIFFANY KORTJIE: According to Zondi, striker Kortjie can work magic with the ball at her feet. Her exceptional skills make her a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

NABEELAH GALANT: Every team needs a joker and Galant fits that role perfectly. The striker’s sense of humour keeps the team in stitches, providing much-needed laughter during intense training and matches.

ZIKHONA NOGQALA: Zikhona is the team’s hidden talent in the world of music. The defender’s beautiful voice often surprises her teammates during impromptu singing sessions, bringing harmony beyond the field.

AMOGELANG MOTAU: In a team with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, Amogelang stands out as the most religious player. The midfielder’s faith is a source of inspiration and strength for her teammates.

ZONDI AND DANIELS ARE QUICK TO MENTION that there’s no room for being overly serious in their team. They know how to strike the perfect balance between dedication and lightheartedness, making every training session a memorable experience.

DANIELS DREAMS OF PLAYING PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL OVERSEAS after completing her degree. UWC is her training ground and the platform that nurtures her talents. She hopes that one day, South Africa will have a professional women’s league, allowing her to stay in her homeland while pursuing her football career at the highest level.

ZONDI’S AMBITIONS ARE EQUALLY INSPIRING. She hopes to be selected for Banyana Banyana and to play professional football overseas. UWC is not just a team for her; it’s a stepping stone towards achieving her dreams. Training alongside Banyana Banyana players on the UWC team is a daily reminder that hard work can turn dreams into reality.

THE JOURNEY OF DANIELS AND ZONDI from Blackheath and Pietermaritzburg to the championship podium is a testament to their determination and resilience. It’s a story of young women breaking barriers, pursuing their passion and creating opportunities for themselves and those who look up to them.

TO THE KIDS FROM THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS AND BEYOND who aspire to follow in their footsteps, Daniels and Zondi have a powerful message: “Work hard, don’t give up, believe in yourself and never doubt your abilities.” Their words of motivation are a reminder that dreams are attainable, even in the face of adversity.