UWC’s goal to produce athletes who shine on the international stage took another positive turn this week when no less than six current footballers were named in the Banyana Banyana preliminary squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
 
The 33-member national squad is set to report for camps next Friday and coach Desiree Ellis will announce the final squad before the team depart for Morocco on 21 June. South Africa is in Group C along with champions Nigeria, Botswana and Burundi.
 
Joining UWC Head Coach, Thinasonke Mbuli, the assistant coach of the senior national women’s team, UWC also has current players in goalkeeper Regirl Ngobeni, defenders Bongeka Gamede and Lonathemba Mhlongo, as well as midfielders Amogelang Motau and Sibulele Holweni, and forward Noxolo Cesane.
 
UWC women's football manager Elmien Cloete said the selection of the current and former footballers is a proud moment for the university.
 
“We are super chuffed about this. It shows that our Athlete Support Programme (ASP) is working, that we really employ the best possible coaching, medical and management staff for our teams, and that we take our sport seriously at UWC.
 
Cloete said these achievements would not be possible without the support from the university executive and the broader university community.
 
 “Our academic partners are very supportive as our student athletes have quite a demanding program.  But they always assist where possible. We have become a hub for women’s football development and it is paying off. Proudly Udubs!”

Read more about the success of UWC Women's Football and a profile on Under-20 international Fikile Magama in the latest Blue and Gold magazine - CLICK HERE...