Shilene Booysen proud to finish second in Egyptian Women’s Premier League

The 13-time league champions were dethroned by Tutankhamun FC, who had a remarkable season of 29 wins in 30 matches. 

Although it was Booysen’s first season in North Africa, the Capetonian applauded her competitors as worthy champions, who have helped grow the standard of the league in Egypt.

"I think the growth of women's football has been huge all over the world, and I think here in Egypt, it has also grown a lot," said Booysen.

"There's been a lot of investment from the different clubs, so for me, I think just with the players we had, we did really well – I'm hoping that next season we can challenge for the league because, obviously, everybody wants to do better.

"I think the number two spot was a true reflection of this season, and I think the team that ended first was the most consistent this year."

Of the 30 matches played, Booysen's charges managed 27 wins, one draw, and just two defeats as Wadi Degla registered 19 clean sheets – conceding only 14 goals the entire season.

"Maybe one of the biggest factors were that so many of the senior players had left last season, with many of them having gone to the number-one team," she added.

"So I think, just looking back, having not replaced those players played a major role in where we ended this season – we used a lot of the youth players, developed them, and I think they've grown so much that I'm really happy with the progress we have made.

"I think next season will be a lot more competitive, because also a lot of the other teams are now also investing heavily into their women's teams, so I foresee a very competitive and challenging season in 2024/25."

READ: How work permit costed Thalea Smidt an overseas move