The Women’s Football team at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) made a clean sweep at the institution’s Annual Sports Awards held on Tuesday, 17 October 2023.
The biggest accolade went to Bongeka Gamede, captain of UWC and a reliable defender of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana – she was named the Sportswoman of the Year.
Gamede has been an integral player for both club and country.
UWC is currently top of the Hollywoodbets Super League log standings, thanks to her contribution this season – which could also make her a strong contender for the Player of the Year award in the league for her consistency.
With six matches remaining, the Capetonians are on 66 points, three ahead of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
Gamede She was also instrumental in helping the Blues lift the 2023 Women’s Varsity Cup after defeating defending champions University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) 2-0 in August – this she did shortly upon her return from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
She played every minute of all four matches (vs Sweden, Argentina, Italy and the Netherlands) Down Under for Banyana Banyana – who qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time ever. But the defender still enough stamina to feature at the Women’s Varsity Cup, winning back to back Player of the Match accolades in the semi-final and the final.
The UWC Women’s Football team also took home two top prizes at the Annual Sports Awards as they were named the Team of the Year as well as the Club of the Year.
Head coach Thinasonke Mbuli, who also acts as the assistant coach to Desiree Ellis at Banyana Banyana, was chosen Coach of the Year.
There was also a Special Recognition Award going to the members of the Banyana Banyana squad:
- Sibulele Holweni
- Regirl Ngobeni
- Amogelang Motau
- Thinasonke Mbuli
As if that was not enough, the Honours Awards at the event went to:
- Fikile Magama
- Lonathemba Mhlongo
- Bongeka Gamede
The Blues had little time to celebrate as they got down to business and headed to Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday (18 October) to face a tough Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium, returning with all three points to keep them ahead of the chasing pack in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The Capetonians are back on the field on Sunday, 22 October in a top of the table clash, which could be the 2023 championship decider, when they host Sundowns Ladies at the UWC Stadium at 11h00.
The Brazilians are second on 63 points – giving neither side room for error in pursuit of the league title.
By Matlhomola Morake
