With one game to go it’s basically mission accomplished for the University of Cape Town Ladies who have – against all odds and lack of support – impressively retained their Hollywoodbets Super League status following their debut season in the pro ranks.
Furthermore, last season’s Sasol League champions are also on course to finish amongst the top 10 teams in their first season in the top-flight which is quite remarkable to say the least.
Hence, massive credit should also go to the head coach Ahmed Parker and his coaching staff for holding their own and standing the test of time. Especially when one considers the drama and chaos which unfolded with the change of coaches right at the start of the season.
Praise should also go to the experienced Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Jessica Williams, who led from the front and played a pivotal role as the last line of defence.
Similarly, the young 16-year-old striker Aliyah Jacobs and her fellow attackers should also be praised as they came to the party when they were called upon. Look, it was obviously a collective effort all in all which brought them till this point and a very good space to be in to be quite honest.
However, the irony and worrisome factor is that it all counts for nothing as the university’s hierarchy does not come to the party to maximise the heroic efforts of their women in football.
They are sitting on a goldmine with this ladies team but they do not even realise the value and credibility this ladies team brings to the university itself – as well as the endless future possibilities.
I mean, the UCT Ladies outfit represented their institution with great pride and aplomb in the past and without the real support of those who call the shots.
Their multiple Coke-Cup titles, coupled with the fact that they have conquered the challenging Sasol League, as well as their promotion to the top-flight, with no support, limited resources and funding, is testimony of their greatness.
Bear in mind many top players and experienced campaigners have moved on or retired, yet the current crop of players held their own with great admiration in their debut season of the pro league for women.
Now, if football was run and treated like other sporting codes such as rugby for instance, then the UCT Ladies side would have definitely been in a pound position and would have attracted big name players luring them with scholarships.
Now, wouldn’t that be a win-win situation? But the reality is that it’s not even close when it comes to rugby, It’s chalk and cheese which is okay. But should the powers that be just give just a little more care and support, like injecting only a quarter of what is invested in rugby then it can really benefit the UCT Ladies’ football for the future.
It is high-time for this institution to seriously reconsider their attitude towards football and throw their full weight behind women’s football as with more support, Parker and his team can only excel and even stake claim on a maiden league title in the near future.
With the help of the university, it will not just be a pipe dream, that’s for sure!
After all, the UCT’s motto does say “Unleash human potential to create a fair and just society,” so, now is the time to back it up and lead by example!
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MC PICZ
