University of the Western Cape and Banyana Banyana star Bongeka Gamede has become the latest player to make an overseas move. The 25-year has been snapped up by an unnamed team believed to be in the Nordic countries.
The former UWC vice-captain jetted out of the country on Wednesday night (30 October 2024) and is expected to be officially announced by her new employers later today (Thursday).
Gamede was not part of the Banyana Banyana’s European tour as she was awaiting her Visa.
“She has been a stalwart for both us and the national team, and served with distinction. She is an ultimate professional who goes about her business quietly but efficiently. 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,” said an elated Thinasonke Mbuli, the UWC head coach.
The defender cum midfielder becomes the second UWC player to leave the club in recent times, following in the footsteps of midfielder Noxolo Cesane, who has been signed by Eastern Flames in the Saudi Arabia Pro Women’s League.
“Before the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier in Malawi, I told the players to give their all as we all didn’t know who could be watching. 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,” added Mbuli.
In August Gamede led the students to an historic achievement when they qualified for the CAF Champions League – the first university team reach the milestone. She was named the Golden Boot award winner after scoring three goals in the tournament.
The UWC vice-captain will be not form part of the team when they make their debut at the continental competition.
“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 another to perhaps get a chance to also shine. We wish them well in Denmark and Saudi Arabia, hope they will inspire others to follow,” added Mbuli.
Born in Ixopo, KwaZulu Natal, Gamede made her national team debut in 2019 in an international friendly match against Norway as Banyana Banyana were preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
She was one of the two uncapped players at the tournament – the other being goalkeeper Mapaseka Mpuru, formerly with the University of Pretoria.
Gamede was part of the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winning squad and played every minute of every game for Banyana Banyana at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – matched only by goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
The former U17 and U20 international was last year named the UWC Sports Woman of the Year.
She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism.
By Matlhomola Morake
