Thanks a Mill(s) Shannon for your historic achievements

First things first….  let’s give credit where it’s due and with that said, the name of coach Shannon Mills (pictured left) will forever be etched in the history of Salt River Blackpool.

For the mere reason that Mills has achieved, not one but two historical feats  – against all expectations – with the club’s senior ladies side.

Just recently they progressed to the semi-final of the prestigious Coke Cup for the very first time in the club’s history coupled with another unexpected but very welcoming achievement by gaining promotion to the Sasol League for next season.

According to Mills, this is just reward for the hard work and sacrifice made by her players, culminating in an exhilarating season for them.

The young ambitious Mills, who holds a Caf C licence explained to No Bones with Jones: “Our players have worked really hard all season to get to this point, given that our schedule is very demanding and the expectations of them remained at a high throughout.

“They can be very proud of themselves for what they have achieved this year, and as a club, we are really looking forward to competing in the second-highest division in South African women’s football next season,” she added.

Mills had to spin her magic with Blackpool Ladies while juggling her own football career with UCT Ladies also winning promotion to the HollywoodBets Super League with the university side.

She had to figure out with trial and error which combinations are best suited for their style of play with several new additions joining her squad this season.

Blackpool is a very diverse side with players from various parts of Cape Town travelling from different areas such as Athlone, Khayelitsha, Camps Bay, Hanover Park, Woodstock and Bellville which posts many logistical challenges as well.

But Mills is also well aware of the old adage: “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and she has proved it indeed to the Blackpool chairman, a proud Iqbal Kasker (pictured right).

“We knew that it would take some time to get everyone on the same page and learn to understand what is expected in our setup,” Mills added.