NWU coach Letlhogonolo Qaba has warned their Varsity Football opponents to underestimate them at their own peril.
Qaba, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns in his heyday and holds a Safa C-level coaching licence, is building a team that is not in the business of donating points.
‘We have played friendly matches in Mafikeng,’ he says of their preparation. ‘Four players are doubtful for the tournament due to injury, but the rest of the team is ready to go.’
NWU are in Group B with UWC, UJ and UL, and fancy their chances of progressing to the semi-finals. Their first match is against UL at the Tuks B-Field on 29 September (14:30 kick-off).
‘If we win the first game, we will grow in confidence,’ says Qaba. ‘We are tired of seeing one team [six-times champions TUT] dominate women’s football. We want to end their dominance.’
Qaba joined NWU three years ago and has set the bar high for his first Varsity Football campaign.
‘We will compete and leave everything on the field of play,’ he says. ‘Expect blood, sweat and tears. We want to win the title and we have a winning mentality.’
Qaba played in Sundowns’ first Champions League cup final when they lost to Al Ahly of Egypt in 2001. He also won a couple of trophies with Sundowns, and hopes to use his experience to help the girls from NWU.
‘We will play to win and score goals,’ says Qaba. ‘We will not change our attacking philosophy. We play with a lot of flair, and we will attack and defend as a collective. We are not scared of anyone, and we will go out there to do our best.’
PLAYER TO WATCH
Nomthandazo Mahlangu is a central defender who enjoys the ball at her feet. She is calm on the ball, reads the game well, enjoys build-up play and has an eye for goal. Mahlangu also plays for the NWU Tawana women’s team in the Sasol Provincial League.
DID YOU KNOW
- The purple army have a professional player in Mpho Seabi, who represents UJ in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
- Regirl Ngobeni (UWC and Banyana) and Katlego Moletsane (Bloemfontein Celtic) are products of NWU.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: Eagles
Province: North West
Appearances: Three (2015, 2016, 2017)
Biggest loss: 3-0 against UWC
Biggest win: 4-1 against VUT
2021 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Dinewu Tsotetsi, Nomthandazo Tshabalala, Tladi M
Defenders: Lerato Adam, Refilwe Ntsho, Amogelang Namelang, Nomthandazo Mahlangu, Hlalefang Moledi, Mpho Seabi, Simphiwe Lingwati
Midfielders: Tsholofelo Namelang (captain), Tshireletso Kgengoe, Paballo Maphalala, Nolwazi Ncana, Kgalalelo Thebe, Lerato Tshweu, Viwe Kakaza, Tshenolo Kgashwane, Mamotlalane Mphuthi, Andiswa Dingiswayo, Nthabiseng Mokhatla, Ziyanda Precious Magobiyane
Strikers: Cleone Maritz, Bonolo Kgomotshwana, Naledi Mooketsi, Rebaone Mojahi
TECHNICAL TEAM
Head coach: Letlhogonolo Qaba
Assistant coach and video analyst: Amogelang Monageng
Goalkeeper coach: Alfa Dolopi
Senior sports scientist: Dr Adele Broodryk
Compliance officer: Palesa Mokoena
Team massager: Kgomotso Molapo
Team manager: Queen Mokgosi
Kit manager: Dineo Sekhute
2021 Varsity Football women’s fixtures
By Charles Baloyi
