The international arrivals terminal at Cape Town International Airport came to a standstill on Tuesday afternoon as Capetonians turned out in large numbers to welcome home the triumphant University of the Western Cape (UWC) women's football team.

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, the City of Cape Town's Acting Mayor Eddie Andrews, and SAFA Vice-President Bennett Bailey led the crowd in singing, dancing, and whistling.

The team received a hero's welcome upon their return, having won the CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers in the COSAFA region.

Udubs made history by becoming the first University on the continent to secure a spot in this year's CAF Women's Champions League.

They clinched their place after defeating Botswana's Gaborone United 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Malawi on Saturday, joining defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC.

Professor Pretorius congratulated the team, noting that their success should inspire them to excel in sports and academics.

"You are students; your academic work should be as important as your athletic performance. Securing the funds to send you to the tournament was challenging since this year's budget was finalised last October. But despite my concerns about the finances required for the CAF Champions League, I fully supported you. My proudest moment was when our goalkeeper aggressively stopped that penalty. Well done."

UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development and Support, Professor Matete Madiba, highlighted that the team's success builds on the legacy of giants like former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian O'Connell.

"As we mourn his passing, we celebrate the powerful seeds of success he planted. You, our team, are now blossoming for all to see," she said.

Professor Madiba called on President Cyril Ramaphosa, National Sports Minister Gayton Mackenzie, business tycoon Patrice Motsepe, and others with the means to support UWC as it continues to nurture this national talent.
 
"They will be advancing to the next level of competition, and as a university, we cannot do it alone. We need your support," she said.

Acting Mayor Andrews emphasised the significance of the team's victory for Cape Town and South Africa. 

Reflecting on the team's academic achievements, Professor Madiba shared, "As we sent them off to Malawi, the coach reminded me, 'DVC, these students are excelling in their academics.' That truly warmed my heart. We're not just talking about athletic victories but also celebrating their academic success. This combination of sporting and academic excellence is a powerful force that can propel our country forward."

"This historic achievement by the UWC Women's Soccer Team is a proud moment for our city and a beacon of hope for young women across South Africa. Your dedication, perseverance, and teamwork reflect Cape Town's spirit and carry the dreams of thousands inspired by your journey. You have proven that anything is possible with hard work and determination."

Bailey congratulated the team, saying, "You went there as champions and returned as champions. Your success illustrates the strong connection between sport and education at the University, sending a powerful message to young girls in the Cape Flats that they can succeed through education and football."

Coach Thinasonke Mbuli expressed gratitude to all South Africans for their support. She emphasised that the team went to the tournament with one goal: to win.

"This victory shows that UWC has players capable of representing the institution and South Africa as a whole. I'm blessed to have managed to keep this group of players together. Normally, players come and go, but since I joined in 2019, we've retained many. Some have graduated but chose to further their studies to stay with the team."

WATCH: The homecoming of champions