UWC got their 2021 SAFA National Women’s League (SNWL) campaign started with a come from behind 2-2 draw against varsity rivals TUT on 24 April, their only fixture of the month.
With the inaugural SNWL season ending prematurely in March 2020 due to COVID-19 (and then ruled completed in June 2020), it’s been a long wait for the ladies in Blue and Gold to feature in official competition.
However, with a televised clash against their long-time varsity rivals TUT Ladies kick-starting the new season, Thinasonke Mbuli’s charges couldn’t afford a rusty performance.
Post-match, Mbuli’s appraisal was forthright: ”Our performance against TUT was pleasing but not the result we wanted.”
Mapule Rakgoale opened the scoring for TUT in the 26th minute with a well struck shot from just outside the box. UWC were level by half-time, when Snegugu Zondi’s looping long-ranger found the net in the 36th minute.
With both teams neutralising each other in the second half, the match looked destined to end as it was after 45 minutes. However, with just four minutes to play, Katlego Kwinana restored TUT’S lead. UWC were not to be denied their share of the points though, as Antonia Maponya levelled matters again in the referee’s optional time with another strike from outside the box.
Main image courtesy Skhu Nkomphela/UWC Sport
With the inaugural SNWL season ending prematurely in March 2020 due to COVID-19 (and then ruled completed in June 2020), it’s been a long wait for the ladies in Blue and Gold to feature in official competition.
However, with a televised clash against their long-time varsity rivals TUT Ladies kick-starting the new season, Thinasonke Mbuli’s charges couldn’t afford a rusty performance.
Post-match, Mbuli’s appraisal was forthright: ”Our performance against TUT was pleasing but not the result we wanted.”
Mapule Rakgoale opened the scoring for TUT in the 26th minute with a well struck shot from just outside the box. UWC were level by half-time, when Snegugu Zondi’s looping long-ranger found the net in the 36th minute.
With both teams neutralising each other in the second half, the match looked destined to end as it was after 45 minutes. However, with just four minutes to play, Katlego Kwinana restored TUT’S lead. UWC were not to be denied their share of the points though, as Antonia Maponya levelled matters again in the referee’s optional time with another strike from outside the box.
APRIL RESULT AT A GLANCE
| Date | Opponents | Result | Venue | Scorers |
| 24 April | TUT | 2-2 | A | Snegugu Zondi, Antonia Maponya |
SAFA NATIONAL WOMEN’S LEAGUE LOG (as at 30 April 2021)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | JVW | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 3 |
| 2 | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 3 |
| 3 | First Touch | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 3 |
| 4 | Tsunami Queens | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| 5 | Thunderbirds Ladies | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 6 | TUT | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | UWC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | Bloemfontein Celtic | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | UJ | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 10 | Durban Ladies | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 11 | Richmond United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
| 12 | Coal City Wizards | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
| 13 | Ma-Indies Ladies | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
| 14 | Golden Ladies | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Main image courtesy Skhu Nkomphela/UWC Sport
