The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has announced the return of Banyana Banyana midfielder Kholosa Biyana to the Hollywoodbets Super League outfit.
She re-joins the side after being clubless since shortly before the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament that was held in Morocco in July.
She was on the books of Sporting Gijon in the second division in Spain before WAFCON.
“My contract expired with my previous team, so I had to make a decision quickly. Also we got relegated two divisions down because of change in the format of the Spanish 2nd Division, so going down with them was not an option as it was not going to help my game,” said Kholosa from Cape Town.
After missing out on securing a team during the June – September transfer window, the Eastern Cape-born Biyana was left without a club for the last six months – after she had helped the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana to win their first WAFCON title when they defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final.
She was able to play in the international friendly fixtures against Brazil for the national team in September but did not receive a call up in another match against 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia in London in October.
Hailing from a small rural village of Clarkebury in eNgcobo, Biyana felt time was running out to find a team abroad and this could cost her a place in the World Cup squad.
“We all need to be active to be part of the national team, we all need a team to be at our best, so definitely it was important for me to start playing and be at the same level as everyone else – and to be consistent you need to be active,” added the defensive midfielder.
“As an individual, I want to be consistent, work hard and be part of the team this year because this is not just an important year for Banyana Banyana, but for us female footballers. We need to challenge each other, and that will no doubt improve the team. Bear in mind also that being part of the national team is exposure to go back abroad.”
Biyana played for UWC in the 2019/2020 season when the SAFA Women’s League (now known as the Hollywoodbets Super League) came into being.
So why did she return to UWC, who finished second in the 2022 Hollywoodbets Super League season?
“As a player I still want to improve and I decided to go back to UWC because I know as a person and a player I’ll be challenged and forced to improve. Also, I know I’ll be adding value to the team, hoping to share some of my experience with my teammates and in the process the team improve. Hopefully we can do better than we did last year.,” said Biyana.
Her coach at the Western Cape outfit, Thinasonke Mbuli, was singing her praises and happy she secured Biyana’s signature.
“Having played for us before I know her too well. She’s still the hard worker that we are accustomed to. She’s returns with a lot of experience., She’s a leader – and we need plenty of women leaders on the field – always willing to assist the young ones. So when an opportunity to sign her presented itself, we did not hesitate,” said Mbuli.
Over the last few months, Biyana has been busy off the field.
She had a stint with SABC Sport as a football studio analyst – but it did not end there.
The midfielder was also part of the UWC Varsity Football team as a Performance Analyst.
For now she is looking forward to returning to the field – the last time the officially kicked a ball was in the clash against Brazil in September.
The Hollywoodbets Super League is expected to commence in the first week of next month.
FACT FILE:
Twelve (12) members of the Banyana Banyana squad that won the 2022 CAF WAFCON had links to UWC:
- Thinasonke Mbuli: national team’s assistant coach and UWC Women’s team head coach
- Regirl Ngobeni: Goalkeeper
- Bongeka Gamede: Defender (and UWC captain)
- Amogelang Motau: Midfielder (and UWC vice-captain)
- Sibulele Holweni: Midfielder
- Noxolo Cesane: Forward (has since left and now plays in France)
Also part of the victory in Morocco were UWC alumnae Kaylin Swart (Goalkeeper), Nomvula Kgoale (Midfielder), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Forward), Thalea Smidt (Midfielder), Kholosa Biyana (Midfielder), and Thembi Kgatlana (Forward).
By Matlhomola Morake
