Wits Women’s Football team Shine bright in their Varsity Women’s Football Debut Season
- Tshepiso Mametela
The Wits Women’s Football team made history in the 2019 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Football tournament being the first Wits Women’s Football team to qualify for the Varsity Women’s Football Tournament - SA’s top university football competition. The team made their first appearance in the 2021 season in Group A, going up against Tshwane University of Technology (TUT women), University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks Women) and Durban University of Technology (DUT women).
Wits Ladies FC head coach Nthabeleng Modiko was full of praise for her team after they reached the semi-finals in their first-ever Women’s Varsity Football campaign before losing to UWC.
“For me, this was a personal achievement. For the institution to be making history as tournament debutants was amazing,” said Modiko.
“I think everybody that was around was just as excited because they could sense the excitement from the team, including some of our first-year students that had been wanting to play and now been allowed to take part.”
The former Banyana Banyana captain, who took over the reins at Wits Ladies FC in 2017, said although still wet behind the ears, her team was keen to punch above their weight.
She doffed her hat to the Wits Sport management for their continued support over the last few seasons, which have seen the team also qualifying for and participating in the Sasol Women’s League.
“We were wide-eyed with excitement, but also very eager to stake a claim and make a name for ourselves,” added Modiko.
“The office has backed us in everything that we’ve done, supporting us with some fundamental resources.
“The recruitment has been amazing, and something which has also been behind the success of the club over the last two seasons.”
Striker Shakeerah Jacobs equally waxed lyrical of the team’s scintillating performance in their maiden tournament, saying it was the result of an overall team effort.
“I think we performed well in our first VC season. We took on every challenge we faced as a team and could not be prouder of the effort we put in.
“But without our coaching staff and other technical team members, nothing is possible,” said Jacobs.
“As a team, we set high standards for ourselves. We wanted to get to the final of VC. Unfortunately, we could only make it to the semi-final.”
Reflecting on her contribution to the team, goalkeeper Nthabiseng Ramaisa said she was satisfied with what she gave.
However, lamenting exiting the tournament in the semis, the shot-stopper said the team has their sights firmly on the USSA Football Tournament next year.
“I was happy with my performance, but I still feel like I could have done more for the team to help win the semis and advance to the finals,” admitted Ramaisa.
“Winning the USSA tournament [would be the ideal way to sign off on the year] because we grew as a team.”
Wits Women’s Varsity Football Squad:
Goalkeepers: Nthabiseng Emily Ramaisa, Vuyiswa Hope Saba
Defenders: Ayanda Ncube, Hazel Ngwenya, Zinise Norris, Magogodi Litlhakanyane, Minenhle Khulu, Eneto Ngwala, Erin Herz
Midfielders: Ayanda Mnyembane, Lesego Nkoane, Shakeerah Jacobs (captain), Abe Thwala, Zanele Ngwenya, Noluthando Sikhakhane, Sanele Mkhize
Strikers: Lydia Malose, Sakhiwo Mnomiya
Wits Women’s Varsity Football Technical Team:
Head coach: Nthabeleng ‘Dunga’ Modiko
Assistant coach: Puleng ‘Bashin’ Mbatha
Goalkeeper coach: Fanafuthi Vilakazi
Strength and conditioning coach: Yunata Adams
Compliance officer: Thabelo Mammburu
Team manager: Nolwazi Mathebula