The University of Limpopo will make just their second appearance in the Varsity Football women’s tournament, having taken part in the first edition in 2013.
It could be a long tournament for the team from Turfloop and Ronald Molepo, who at 21 is the youngest coach in Varsity Football.
UL are in Group B with UJ, NWU and 2019 finalists UWC. Their first game is against NWU at the Tuks B-Field on 29 September (14:30 kick-off).
‘Our preparations have gone well,’ Molepo tells VarsitySportsSA.com. ‘The girls are juggling their exams and training.
‘We are happy and nervous at the same time. We do not know what to expect in this tournament.’
Molepo admits his team are underdogs.
‘Everyone expects us to lose by big margins,’ he says. ‘On paper, we are the team that everyone wants to play. Our players are in their first or second year of university, and lack experience.’
Molepo wants his players to enjoy themselves and learn as much as they can against the big teams.
‘The TV exposure could make or break them,’ he adds. ‘It will be the first time that they are playing on TV, so we will see how they handle the situation.’
PLAYER TO WATCH
UL goalkeeper Kgothatso Manamela plays for First Touch FC in the Hollywoodbets Super League and kept five clean sheets in 12 games during the 2021 campaign. She is vocal at the back and takes charge of her 18-yard area.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Coach Ronald Molepo is the youngest coach in the tournament (21).
- Khothatso Manamela (First Touch FC) is the only professional player in the UL squad.
- UL lost 4-0 against TUT in their 2013 Varsity Football semi-final.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: Smart Girls
Province: Limpopo
Appearances: One (2013)
2021 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Kgothatso Manamela (captain), Nonkhululeko Nobela
Defenders: Mamatepa Vision, Thamaga Boiketlo, Sehlare Eustinah, Majadibodu Koketso, Kekana Khomotso, Galane Josephine, Maswai Tebogo, Segabetla Kgothatso, Malapane Rahab
Midfielders: Aphane Princes, Mthabela Nompumelelo, Makola Mmadire, Masela Dikeledi, Choshi Reabetswe, Mochekgechekge Karabo, Kadebe kelebogile, Moselakgomo Kagiso, Sethemane Ingenious
Strikers: Rachidi Kanyane, Makhale Boniswa
TECHNICAL TEAM
Head coach: Molepo Ronald
Assistant coach: Mothapo Frans
Goalkeeper coach: Gole Jonathan
Strength and conditioning coach: Mathelemusa Ashley
Compliance officer: Dhlamini Danny
Team manager: Makukuli Bethwell
2021 Varsity Football women’s fixtures
By Charles Baloyi
