Newly promoted Ezemvelo Ladies says relegation of Lindelani FC opened their eyes

Ezemvelo is gearing up for their first appearance in the elite women’s football league after gaining promotion from the Sasol League at the end of last season.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Shobede says they have compiled notes on what not to do once the league starts in March.

"It's very unfortunate what happened to Lindelani Ladies knowing that they are such a great team, it's very unfortunate but their experience has taught us the importance of working hard from the start of the league,” Shobede said.

“To put in the effort in the first round to create a safe distance from the relegation zone because this will help the team going to the second round to handle the challenges that come with it.”

Shobede says it hasn’t sunk in yet that they will be playing in the South African elite women’s football league this season.

To win the national title, Ezemvelo defeated the University of Cape Town (UCT) 2-0 in the final of the Sasol League National playoffs in Knysna in October last year.

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"Truly it hasn't sunk in yet, you know, yes the team has qualified for the league but I think it will sink in when the players play their first game when they step into the pitch especially when they are standing alongside another top team in the tunnel, waiting to walk onto the pitch.

“That's when we'll realise that now we are part of the best, competing against the best teams."