Nasief Morris (pictured), newly appointed head coach of the HollywoodBets Super League side UCT Ladies, is running around like a headless chicken – not only for sponsorships, but more importantly for players that can compete in the pro league for women.
Needless to say, the hustle from the aforementioned is understandable and excusable and an aspect that affects the majority of the clubs, but regarding the hunt for players, it should not be the case.
The challenge that Morris, a former Bafana Bafana defender, is facing is a dual one as it is not just about recruiting players to fill the numbers, but also to search for quality – especially after quite a few of UCT’s stalwarts and quality players like captain Michaela Liebenberg, Lisakhanya Mayisela, Ashleigh Mckie, Rebecca Hotchner Blaser, Nthabiseng Gumede, Daniella Segall, Michaela Liebenberg, Katlego Mabuza and Kaydee Windvogel have all left the club and leaves a massive void.
One would have expected local coaches and clubs involved in the lower leagues of Safa Cape Town, to throw their weight behind UCT Ladies to help ensure that the varsity side secures its status for next season. And with the season starting soon, time is running out for Morris and UCT to assemble a competitive squad.
This begs the question: “Why does Morris have to scamper the Western Cape and beyond its borders like Namibia to recruit talent? Where is the support from the local coaches for Cape Town’s other pro side? Not too long ago there was an outcry for a second HollywoodBets Super League side for Cape Town as there was no platform for the Cape talent to shine.
Now that the platform is there, support seems to be non-existent. Why? Why are coaches being so selfish by preventing players from joining other clubs to further develop their respective careers?
Remember, the UWC Ladies luckily does not have this problem as they are well supported and catered for by the Varsity – and the results show on the field. Not to mention their partnership with the Sasol League outfit RV United which serves as a feeder club for coach Tinasonke Mbuli’s UWC side.
Just imagine if the UCT Ladies had a proper backer that shared a passion for women’s football. This is now the time for businesses to help contribute to the growth and development of the women’s game.
Remember, when the now-defunct Vasco Ladies won promotion to the pro league a couple of seasons ago, the Mother City was ecstatic as it offered another opportunity and platform for young girls from Cape Town to play in a pro league.
Needless to say, there were some who gave the necessary support (with players) to Vasco which was a win-win for both parties. Needless to say, the Parow based team battled hard but held their own in the top tier of women’s football.
Similarly, it was expected that clubs would work closer with UCT Ladies and Morris to ensure that talented players get a shot at the big leagues and hopefully catch the eye of the Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis.
On a more positive note, our website has also been informed that young and upcoming talent like Farah Thomas, Aaaliyah Jacobs (both Rygersdal FC) and Zinise Norris (Tuks) are currently on trial at UCT Ladies.
Apart from Cravenby Ladies FC, Morris and his UCT Ladies outfit have found very little joy with his search for quality players – so, the difficult hunt continues…. Again, why?
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
