DUT head coach Taoni Bhanda is excited and nervous ahead of their first Varsity Football women’s campaign.
Bhanda, who has a Caf C coaching licence, admits she doesn’t know what to expect. But with UKZN struggling in the current men’s tournament, she hopes the DUT women can do the province proud.
‘We are from KZN and are not happy to watch our homeboys get hiding after hiding. A part of me fears the worst, but another feels we could be the surprise package of the tournament.’
Bhanda worked for Durban Ladies in the Sasol League and coached the KwaZulu-Natal U17 girls’ team before assuming her new role with DUT in May. The 40-year-old has assembled a group of hungry players.
‘We want to do well and leave a lasting mark on the tournament,’ she says. ‘Our preparations have gone well and the girls are motivated to do well. I made them watch the UKZN men’s matches to see what could happen if we are not competitive.’
DUT are in Group A with six-time champions TUT, hosts Tuks and Wits. Their first match is against Wits at the Tuks B-Field on 29 September (13:00).
Bhanda is friends with newly-appointed TUT coach Simphiwe Dludlu and Wits coach Nthabeleng Modiko. She is nervous about playing against their teams but also happy to rub shoulders with them again.
‘We have come a long way together,’ she says. ‘It will be a big reunion. We talk a lot and learn from each other. I hope they will take it easy on my team!
‘As newcomers, DUT do not have high expectations for this tournament but we are hoping for a fairy-tale run,’ she adds.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Andiswa Mfeka is a 20-year-old first-year student who works hard for her team. She has an eye for goal, is a good passer of the ball and loves to dictate the tempo of the game. Her dream is to play for Banyana Banyana and she plans to use Varsity Football to market herself.
DID YOU KNOW?
- DUT made their Sasol League debut this year.
- DUT qualified for Varsity Football through the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: FC Angels
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Appearances: None (tournament debut)
2021 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Silindile Duma, Samukelisiwe Shezi
Defenders: Nokubongwa Goqo, Nomfundo Buthelezi (captain), Zama Ngcobo, Nontuthuko Gcumisa, Zavuma Bunjana, Nobuhle Maphumulo, Nozibusiso Mjoli
Midfielders: Nokwanda Xulu, Andiswa Mfeka, Nolwazi Mkhulise, Sinethemba Simelane, Gugulethu Madlala
Forwards: Sibahle Ntuli, Hlengiwe Zuma, Nokwazi Sibiya, Samukelisiwe Sibisi, Nompilo Msomi, Ziyanda Sikakane, Amanda Shelembe
TECHNICAL TEAM
Head coach: Taoni Banda
Assistant coach: Zamokuhle Dlamini
Goalkeeper coach: Zanele Zungu
Compliance officer: Zethembe Sikhakhane
Team manager: Zamile Zulu
2021 Varsity Football women’s fixtures
By Charles Baloyi
