UWC ripe for Hollywoodbets Super League title chase – Amogelang Motau

The side, led by Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli, finished runners-up to The Brazilians in 2022, but were 14 points short of their rivals. 

As things stand, UWC are log leaders after 12 games this season, and a point ahead of Sundowns – a team they face on Sunday at the Tuks Stadium. 

"Last year we had a problem where we didn't have enough depth on the squad. This season is different for us. I think with Ridhaa Allie coming in as our sports scientist and helping us with the conditioning, I think we are well-conditioned. 

“And also, we've been playing with this team for three seasons now, and I think we know each other and our goal is clear this season. We were second last season, and there's no place between the second and the first place, so there's only one way to go", she claimed. 

Motau doesn’t want to get ahead of herself, but she’s of the opinion that the gap between UWC and Downs won’t be too big this time around. 

"In our first season, coach Thina [Mbuli] spoke to us about that. Trusting the process and that things will eventually fall into place. And I think that's what is happening now. To be quite honest with you, I think this is our season to lose. In terms of how we are playing, our level of fitness.

"[Yes] we have a lot of players going into the national team, and I hope that we will be able to manage the fatigue going into the second half of the season. This league is a marathon, and it's quite interesting to see other teams are also being competitive."  

One of the traits of a genuine title challenger is consistency, something Motau admits will determine whether they can dethrone Sundowns this season.