Mbuli: Banyana Needs Top Tier Competition

 By Malose Wa Ga Lamola

Thinasonke Mbuli, a mentor at the University of the Western Cape, spoke with ShakingInk about the recent Banyana Banyana European tour and the presence of two of the top-performing domestic league teams in the Women's CAF Champions League. losing Noxolo Cesane, one of her main players, to the Eastern Flames.

Having two teams in the Women's CAF Champions League, according to Mbuli, who is lovingly referred to as "The Bull" in football circles, is an indication that women's football in the country has improved. "I think it’s great for South African women’s football to have two teams—in the Champions League—it shows the standard of our league has improved (not where we want it)) but there’s a lot of improvement—we are debutant, so I don’t want to put too much pressure on my players. The first goal is to get out of group stages," said Mbuli.

The University of the Western Cape has lost one of the key players and Banyana Banyana star, Noxolo Cesane, to the Eastern Flames. Mbuli insists that the team strives to promote players that will compete in a more professional setup internationally. 'The Bull' is happy to see 'Nox' realizing her dream of playing professional football. "We lost Nox to Eastern Flames (Saudi Pro League); it’s a growth for her; she’s getting another chance to play professional football, which we can’t provide here at home. As much as we will miss her and others that will leave also, for us as a club we are always happy and proud, because that’s what we strive for (producing players that will make it at international level). So yes, we will miss her—her contribution to our offensive was something else, so unpredictable."

Banyana Banyana has played friendly matches against top-ranked national teams. In their European tour, the South African senior women's national team faced Denmark and England, whom rank among the best top twenty countries in the world. Though Banyana lost both matches, Mbuli credits Banyana for their much improved performance in their second and last match in London. "Yes, good test for Banyana—playing against top 20 ranked teams is not easy. Games like this test us tactically, and also the intensity is very high. A much improved performance against England." Concluded Mbuli.

@Lamola_Herold