Thinasonke Mbuli bids farewell to Bongeka Gamede

The former UWC vice-captain, who missed Banyana Banyana's recent European tour as she awaited her visa, jetted out of the country on Wednesday night and is expected to join an unnamed club in Denmark on Thursday.

Mbuli paid tribute to the 25-year-old, who has been an integral player for the Varsity Football champions.

"She has been a stalwart for both us and the national team, and served with distinction. She is a consummate professional, who goes about her business quietly but efficiently," said an elated Mbuli.

"She could have left UWC after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but she wanted to finish her studies first. 

"Now that she has achieved that, she was free to go. And so, I would love to wish her all the best. She deserves this. So long captain."

Gamede becomes the second UWC player to leave the club in recent times, following midfielder Noxolo Cesane's move to Eastern Flames in the Saudi Women’s Premier League last month.

With UWC having clinched CAF Women's Champions League qualification in August, Mbuli revealed a commitment to the players during the COSAFA qualifying tournament held in Malawi.

"Before the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers in Malawi, I told the players to give their all as we all didn’t know who could be watching," she said.

"On top of that, we made a promise that if any of them should get an offer after the tournament, we will gladly let them go, we will not stand in their way – and we have stuck to our word."

Gamede and Cesane – who were both integral at the qualifying tournament – will now miss the team's debut at the continental showpiece next month, but the Banyana assistant coach believes it's an opportunity for other players to now stake their claim.

"To be honest, we will miss them – together with Nox – they were very influential in the team, but then again that is how football works.

"When one or two go, it’s an opportunity for others to perhaps get a chance to also shine. We wish them well in Denmark and Saudi Arabia,  and hope they will inspire others to follow," she concluded.

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