Thinasonke Mbuli bids UWC captain farewell as Mexico comes calling

Motau will join Banyana Banyana teammates Jermaine Seoposenwe, Sinoxolo Cesane, Hilda Magaia, and Thembi Kgatlana in the Liga MX Femenil.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Mbuli says UWC are clearly doing something right after bidding farewell to their captain.

“Amo is a leader, a hard worker, and she deserves what is coming her way. I wish her nothing but the best in her new journey. She gave us everything we needed and I am not surprised this is happening to her,” Mbuli told the public broadcaster.

“This is the third player to leave us and get a professional contract abroad in just one season, which makes me so emotional because it indicates we are doing something right. I am super proud of Amo.”

The Limpopo-born midfielder played her last match for the Blues in their 2-0 defeat to 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies on 8 December last year.

She also played a pivotal role in UWC’s remarkable success in the 2024 season – helping the team to second position on the league table, winning the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers, and becoming the first-ever university side to play in the CAF Women’s Champions League proper.

“I told the players this week that football is very rewarding if you are patient. For example, Amo received an offer in Europe and we felt it was not good enough, but a few days after we turned it down, this new one came and we knew it was right,” Mbuli added. 

“As an institution, we have said to the players if a solid offer comes we will not stand in their way. I wish her all the best and I know she will shine where she is going.”

Motau’s departure comes on the heels of vice-captain Bongeka Gamede and Sinoxolo Cesane, who moved to Denmark and Saudi Arabia respectively.

The Banyana Banyana assistant coach sees Motau’s departure for new talent to step up and stake their claim in South African women’s football.

“The latest departure opens up another slot for someone to step up, hence we went searching for new personnel to beef up the squad, and we will announce when the time is right,” concluded Mbuli.

READ: Mbuli ready to rebuild with UWC in 2025