Nasief Morris, newly appointed head coach of UCT Ladies might not have been the Varsity-outfit’s first choice, but this is no excuse not to support the former Bafana Bafana defender in his new venture.
This comes after a dramatic twist of events after it was initially expected that Ashraf Calvert would take over the reins from Ahmed Parker, only for Morris to be given the opportunity. The Mitchells Plain-born Morris will be assisted by Shaquille Williams and goalkeeper coach Mark Kapman.
No Bones with Jones can confirm that Calvert declined the offer due to his commitment to Rygersdal FC while Morris accepted after also being recommended by Dylan Deane.
Our website reached out to Morris who reacted: “Yes, everything happened so fast but I am very excited,”
Some will feel that Morris’ inexperience in the women’s game is not ideally suited for a team that is starting out with their first season in a pro league as there is no time to experiment.
His predecessor Parker however seems to differ as he feels that the Morris’ stellar career in Europe with clubs like Panathinaikos and Racing Santander amongst others, coupled with his experience with Cape Town Spurs winning promotion to the PSL, should put the 43-year-old in good stead.
“Therefore, it will be important to give coach Morris all the necessary support and guidance in terms of the demands of this league,” said Parker. “But look, his career as a pro player speaks for itself. He has also been successful as a young coach with CT Spurs so he is well equipped on the coaching side as well,” Parker concluded.
One can only hope that all pans out for UCT Ladies and Morris as this will allow for more local players to be given an opportunity on the highest level in women’s soccer.
