Thinasonke Mbuli ready to rebuild with UWC in 2025

UWC managed to secure a third consecutive runners-up finish in the elite women’s league, finishing 14 points adrift of record winners Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies last season.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mbuli says it is good to finish in the top two, but their biggest concern is their tally of points, which they will look to improve in 2025.

"It was quite disappointing – I know some would say, 'You were number two last season, I think it's better.' But it's disappointing for myself and the team," said Mbuli.

"We dropped a lot of points, and it's because we started the season very badly. I think the most important thing is for us, when we reflect or recap on 2024, is to identify those things we know we didn't do well and try to rectify them in the new season.

"So we know very well why we dropped so many points – I think the first five games in the 2024 season, we were really bad, but we picked up from game number six and towards the end.

"So, yes, we ended number two [on the log], but if you check our points from 2023 [75 points] compared to 2024, there's a lot of difference.

"Maybe the only positive is that last season we scored more goals than any other season we've played in the Hollywoodbets – that's the only positive we can take, other than not dropping to number three or four and maintaining our second position."

In 2024, UWC won the Varsity Football Cup and CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers, before making their debut in the continental finals in Morocco.

Mbuli says losing many key players, including Noxolo Cesane and Bongeka Gamede, will see the team return to a rebuilding phase this year.

"It will require a lot from us to do well this season, but we're going to see a lot of changes in the team because, as I'm sure you saw Noxolo [Cesane] and Bongeka [Gamede] leaving," she noted.

"Some players being exposed to COSAFA and Champions League will also attract offers, so I can confirm to you now that you will see a different team."

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