Extra Time: The progress of women’s football in South Africa is a direct challenge to the men’s PSL teams to aim higher in African competitions, writes Michael Madyira.
The University of Western Cape (UWC) Ladies won the Cosafa championship in Malawi last weekend, showing how strong South African women’s football has become.
After losing their first group match to Zambia’s Green Buffaloes, UWC bounced back by beating Namibia’s FC Ongos and Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens.
With the hard work of players like Noxolo Cesane, Fikile Magama, Bongeka Gamede, captain Amogelang Motau, and Sibulele Holweni, Banyana Banyana reached the semi-finals, where they defeated Young Buffaloes.
They then went on to win the final against Gaborone United.
This victory means UWC will play in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League for the first time, joining Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning African champions.
It’s the first time South Africa will have two teams in this major competition, marking a milestone for women’s football.
The success of the UWC Ladies comes as South Africa’s top men’s teams, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, compete to win this year’s CAF Champions League.
While Sundowns last won the title in 2016 and Pirates haven’t since 1995, the Sundowns Ladies have already been African champions twice in the last three years.
The progress of women’s football in South Africa is a direct challenge to the men’s PSL teams to aim higher in African competitions.
While the PSL gets more attention, the Women’s Super League has been producing players who have helped Banyana Banyana qualify for the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Pictured above: University of Western Cape Ladies players during a penalty shootout against Gaborone United.
Source: University of Western Cape
