The University of the Western Cape’s women’s football team were warmly welcomed home by supporters at Cape Town International Airport after winning the regional CAF Women’s Champions League/ COSAFA Qualifier trophy in Malawi on Saturday.

The team secured their place in this year's CAF Women's Champions League for the first time by defeating Botswana's Gaborone United in a thrilling 9-8 penalty shootout after play ended in a 1-1 draw, with the victory earning them a spot alongside defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC in the finals to be played later this year.

Head coach Thinasonke Mbuli commended her players for their ability to juggle their academic and athletic careers.

She said playing in the Hollywoodbets Super League gave them the opportunity to qualify. She commended her team for doing well last year, as they were leading in the league for the entire season but lost it with four games to go.

“For us to do that well we got an opportunity to go represent South Africa in the qualifiers, so for me I took it as if God is blessing us, we couldn't win the league, but he was blessing us that we deserve to be there,” said Mbuli.

Mbuli said losing the first game in Malawi was a wake-up call for the team.

“I am extremely happy, and the players are happy, they deserve this. When I talk about this team I always say I am blessed. Because normally in this team players come and go, but we have managed to keep this group of players since I came here in 2019. As this is a university team, some players have graduated but they decided to cross back as they want to remain as part of this team,” said Mbuli.

One of the players, Michaile Lewis from Hout Bay, said she was grateful to be part of the team and it was also her first time travelling outside South Africa. She said to be part of the team was a great honour, and also thanked the people of Hout Bay and her family who are supporting her as a female player.

Another player, Khanyisa Manengela, a midfielder from Gugulethu, said playing and winning the COSAFA trophy was a dream come true, and to qualify to play in CAF Champions League is an even greater achievement.

“Obviously it's going to be difficult but we will have experience playing out of the country. We have been playing in the Hollywoodbets Super League for a while now. I am looking forward to competing and gaining the experience of playing in CAF,” she said.

Supporters waiting at Cape Town International Airport to welcome the UWC women’s team back home from Malawi. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

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UWC bring home regional CAF Women’s Champions League cup