The University of the Western Cape (UWC) women’s football team will take on HollywoodBets Super League leaders JVW FC this weekend oozing with confidence after handing champions Mamelodi Sundowns their first ever defeat.
 
Goals by Banyana Banyana duo Khanya Xesi and Sibulele Holweni in the first half at the UWC Sports Stadium on Sunday were enough to shock the reigning African Champions with a 2-0 victory. The three points helped UWC move to third in the log standings.

UWC head coach Thinasonke Mbuli (pictured right) says the win could set the tone for the rest of the season.

“We know the win was a confidence booster to the players, the way they beat Sundowns. I hope they will take it as a motivation to show how good they are and go to the other games with the same mentality. Hopefully that will put us in a better position than last season.”
 
Last season, UWC finished third in the league, which was an improvement from their maiden season when they managed sixth position.
 
Mbuli said her team have always come close to beating Sundowns and that her girls stuck to the game plan throughout the encounter. 

WATCH: UWC'S GOALS VS SUNDOWNS

“They are a very good side and if you allow them to play, they will attack in numbers and score,” Mbuli said. “The idea was to press them high and not allow them to play. We created chances and converted them. It was a good win.”
 
Although the win has lifted the morale in the team, it is still early days in the season, and Mbuli believes it will be important for her side to be consistent throughout the season.

“This year we have to finish second or even win the league. We need to finish better than last season. We can’t be number four or remain number three.”
 
UWC will be put to the test on Sunday when they travel to Wits Stadium to face JVW, who are yet to drop points this season. Kick-off is at 15h00 and the game will be televised on SABC 1.
 

Images courtesy Skhu Nkomphela/UWC Sport