Messages of well-wishes pour in for UWC ahead of COSAFA qualifiers

Having finished second in the 2023 Hollywoodbets Super League, UWC will now take the place of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who automatically qualify for the 2024 edition of the tournament after winning the continental championship last year.

The Brazilians are waiting to find out who will be joining themselves and the hosts, from the six zonal representatives from WAFU A, WAFU B (both West Africa), UNIFFAC (Central Africa), CECAFA (East Africa) and UNAF (North Africa).

This means the COSAFA region will have two representatives at the Women’s Champions League final tournament, with South Africa potentially having both spots.

SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao lead the congratulatory messages for the Cape-based side ahead of the COSAFA qualifying tournament to be hosted in Malawi from 16 – 25 August.

“The Association wishes UWC the best of luck in their participation in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers in Malawi next month,” said Monyepao.

“It will be the first time most of the players taste international club competitions at this level, therefore a great platform for them to show their true potential and elevate to their greatness. 

“We know they will represent South Africa with pride. Bring it home, uDubs.”

The eight confirmed COSAFA clubs are UWC (SA), Gaborone United (Botswana), Young Buffaloes (Eswatini), Ascent Academy (Malawi, hosts), UD Lichinga (Mozambique), Ongos (Namibia), Green Buffaloes (Zambia), and Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe).

Since inception in 2021, no other South African team has played in the competition except perennial Hollywoodbets Super League winners Sundowns Ladies, whose coach Jerry Tshabalala also welcomed UWC to the big stage.

“Congratulations to UWC on your remarkable achievement of qualifying for the COSAFA Women's Champions League,” he said.

“This milestone is testament to your hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. Your success not only brings pride to UWC, but also serves as an inspiration to women and girls across South Africa. 

“Credit must also go to SAFA for creating a platform for our girls to showcase their God-given talent and also taking a good decision in sending UWC to COSAFA qualifiers.”

Banyana Banyana Head Coach Desiree Ellis also shared well wishes to her national team assistant Thinasonke Mbuli, who is in charge of the university side.

“This is absolutely fantastic news for South African women's football, UWC has shown over the last couple of years how tight the league has been between them and Sundowns Ladies,” she added.

“A big thank you to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for nominating them, and I must also take my hat off to Mamelodi Sundowns coach Jerry Tshabalala for allowing this opportunity. 

“Hopefully, we can have two teams at the main tournament, and that would be fantastic for South African Women’s Football, I think it will only elevate the game.”

The draw date for the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers is yet to be announced.

READ: TSG Queens forfeit points after late arrival for UWC clash