As the University of the Western Cape (UWC) prepares to make its debut at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco this month, the team’s ambition is clear: to leave a memorable mark on the continental stage.
Joining the ranks of Africa’s best women’s football clubs, UWC steps into the spotlight alongside fellow South African side Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, who are the reigning champions.
For UWC, the journey to Morocco is about more than competing; it’s about establishing their legacy as both footballers and student-athletes.
UWC made history by becoming the first university team to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, a feat they accomplished in their maiden appearance at the COSAFA Qualifiers in Namibia.
Their path to the finals was anything but easy, showcasing the resilience and spirit that have come to define the team.
After a challenging start with a loss to Zambia’s Green Buffaloes, UWC regrouped and fought their way through the remaining group matches, displaying grit and determination.
Their tenacity was on full display in the semifinals, where they edged out Gaborone United in a tense penalty shootout that ended 9-8 following a 1-1 draw.
Key to their success is the formidable Siphesihle Dlamini, the goalkeeper who has become a symbol of composure and leadership.
Known for her athletic prowess and acrobatic saves, Dlamini was instrumental in UWC’s qualification, especially during the nerve-wracking shootout in the final.
Her ability to inspire confidence in her teammates extends beyond her shot-stopping abilities, as she brings an invaluable leadership presence to the field.
In a tournament filled with experienced talent, Dlamini’s contribution in goal is likely to be a deciding factor in UWC’s quest for glory.
Guiding the team in this historic endeavor is head coach Thinasonke Mbuli, a tactician whose influence on South African women’s football is profound.
Mbuli’s experience goes beyond her role with UWC; she serves as the assistant to Desiree Ellis, the current CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, and played a vital role in South Africa’s triumph at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Mbuli is not only celebrated for her strategic mind and passion for the game but also for her commitment to her players’ holistic development.
Under her leadership, UWC is as focused on academic success as they are on football excellence, setting them apart in a field where most clubs prioritize football above all.
This fourth edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League, running from November 9 to 23 in Morocco, will be UWC’s first appearance in the continental competition.
As they take to the field, the team will be looking to emulate the remarkable path set by Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who have already claimed their place as champions.
For UWC, however, the mission is twofold: they aim to demonstrate that a university side can compete at the highest levels of African women’s football, and they seek to inspire future generations of South African women footballers to balance academic and athletic pursuits.
The squad brings a balanced blend of skill and youthful energy, ready to take on established teams across Africa.
Their historic qualification has already solidified UWC’s name in South African sports, but the journey to Morocco presents a fresh opportunity to further establish their presence on the African stage.
With a talented roster, a dedicated coach, and a leader like Dlamini in goal, UWC enters the tournament not just as participants but as potential contenders who could rewrite the script for university teams in African women’s football.
