Desiree Ellis reacts to UWC win in the COSAFA qualifiers

The four-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year winner says she is still trying to come to terms with what transpired, adding that even UWC may not even be aware of the magnitude of their success.

READ: This achievement proves the high standard of women’s football in SA: Thinasonke Mbuli

UWC defeated Gaborone United 9-8 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time in Malawi on Saturday.

They rewrote the history books by becoming the first University team to win the tournament.

''I am still trying to grasp what has happened today. I don't think the players of UWC don’t realise what they have achieved, not just for them but for the Hollywoodbets Super League and for University football. I think it will hit them later on, it is a big victory for the players. It shows the character and the mentality that they have, and how badly they wanted it. I am happy for them, I am happy for coach Thinasonke whom I work with at Banyana Banyana. Fantastic team effort,'' said Ellis.

Ellis says the victory is a good indicator that South African women’s football is heading in the right direction. UWC will join defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the continental finals of women’s club football later this year.

''I am really looking forward to seeing UWC and Mamelodi Sundowns representing our country in the CAF Champions League. I think it is very significant and it will motivate the rest of the teams in the league, this speaks to how strong the Hollywoodbets Super League is, and this gives them a boost in international football,’’ added Ellis.

The Banyana Banyana mentor hopes that UWC’s achievement will motivate other teams to strive for a higher finish in the Hollywoodbets Super League to stand a chance of playing in such tournaments.

''Teams will now realise that they need to fight for the highest position in the league and this will give them the opportunity to play in the Champions League, and when you win the Champions league you get a chance to participate in the Club World Cup,'' she expressed.

Ellis is also excited that more players will gain continental football experience, which will come in handy for Banyana Banyana, more so as the WAFCON will be played after the CAF Women’s Champions League.

 Ellis also congratulated defender Noko Matlou who signed for a new team in Spain while forward Hilda Magaia made a big move and joined KC Current in the USA from Mexico.