Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis admitted Varsity Football has played a crucial role in the development of the national team talent pool.
Straight after leading South Africa into a second consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, Ellis admitted that Varsity Football has helped the national team’s competitiveness, with her squad including five University club footballers of the past and present.
The same format and pathway to professional football in the United States have seemingly worked wonders, with the champions University of the Western Cape having Regirl Ngobeni, Bongeka Gamede, Amogelang Motau and Noxolo Cesane in the final squad, while TUT midfielder Nomvula Kgoale has also become an important member of Ellis’ squad in recent years.
“Varsity Football has been big, I think it’s bridged that gap between club football and international football,” said Ellis, who’s also secured back-to-back FIFA World Cup qualifications.
“There is a gap, it has bridged that gap because you have the University international games.
“At one time we had 10 to 11 national team players playing abroad for University teams. So University football has been good for us.
“We picked up a player from TUKS who was the Player of the Tournament last year, Wendy, we picked up her at the Varsity Football [tournament] she was also in our camp.
“So we need to look at players that fit our way of playing and give them an opportunity and people will criticise you, but you have to stay true to who you are and make sure that you choose the players that you want – then people can hold you accountable.”
By Lorenz Kohler
Banyana is now just one game away from potentially being crowned champions of Africa for the first time in history when they face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday.
The 2022 edition of Women’s Varsity Football takes place from 9-14 October and includes the top eight university teams across the country
