Surviving relegation is our first priority - UCT coach

The Western Province side gained promotion from the Sasol League into the South African elite women’s football last year, alongside newcomers Ezemvelo WFC from KwaZulu Natal and will make their debut when the new season kicks off in March.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Parker says they will strive to retain their status as this has always been a dream of theirs to play in the top league.

"It's absolutely been a dream for the team to be promoted. I think it's been a challenging period for all of us involved at the club but the feeling is, it sunk in I guess and we are ready to rock and roll in the Hollywoodbets Super League,” Parker said.

“We are gonna give it our best shot. Realistically our goal for the first season will be to survive relegation that will obviously be our first objective, to stay in the league. We fought really hard to get to this point to be able to compete with the best in the country. “Our sustainability is probably the next most important priority where we would like to be able to keep the project going so that we get to a point where we can participate in the league for a prolonged period and then strive for excellence at a later stage.

“So, in the first season I think our objective will be to survive relegation, if we can keep into the top eight of the competition that will be an overachievement I believe but that's something we will definitely aspire towards."

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Parker says he understands the demands of the Hollywoodbets Super League and they have already started with preparations for the new season.

"Preparations for the upcoming season are well underway, it started last year already with the contact with players we would like to invite to come and join us to bolster the squad and now at this point, it's all about the pre-season preparations.

“It's about playing games and getting the team ready. Games of different intensity to get the team ready for the demands of playing in the league."