Banyana Banyana defender Shakira O’Malley says it was a no-brainer for her to join the University of the Western Cape (UWC) as most of the things just aligned for her.
The Capetonian spent the last four years in the USA studying and playing football at the Western Michigan University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance.
But she could not miss out on an opportunity to join UWC.
“I had just graduated from my previous school in the US and was looking for something new — a fresh environment and a new challenge. Around the same time, UWC is in a rebuilding phase, and Coach Thina (Thinasonke Mbuli) mentioned they are looking to strengthen in all areas, especially at centre back. It felt like the perfect fit for both of us,” said O’Malley from Cape Town.
“A few things came together — timing, opportunity, and my long-term goals. The offer from UWC was the right fit for where I am right now in my career. Being back home also allows me to focus on my football while still keeping my academic plans in place for the future. I’ll be continuing my studies alongside football. Education is really important to me, so I’ll be working towards completing my Honors and Master’s Degree in Finance.
After being away from home for a long time, she is excited to be back, especially in Cape Town where she was born – which is one of the reasons that swayed her to sign for UWC.
“It’s honestly such a special feeling. Cape Town will always be home, so to be able to play here in front of family and friends again is something I’ve really missed. It’s also extra motivating knowing I’m representing my city at this level,” added the former U-17 and U-20 Women’s National team player.
But she joins the Blues at a very difficult time when they are struggling in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Just this past weekend they went down 2-0 to the University of Fort Hare – leaving them in 12th position, something they are not accustomed to after finishing in second place the last two seasons.
“There’s always a bit of pressure when you join a team that’s rebuilding, but I see it as a challenge rather than a burden. I know my role and what’s expected of me, and I’m ready to contribute to the team’s improvement, both defensively and in building confidence across the squad,” said O’Malley.
With the team under pressure to get results, she knows she does not have time to learn the ropes but has to hit the ground running – as she has to quickly adapt. This will be the first time she plays in the elite South African Women’s football league.
“Football is football, no matter where you play. I’ve been fortunate to gain experience overseas, and I believe that’s prepared me well. Now it’s about adapting to the pace and style of the local league, which I’m confident I can do quickly,” said the Banyana Banyana star.
Mbuli says O’Malley has been training with the team for a while and is ready to taste the action.
The defender could make her UWC debut when the Blues host First Touch Ladies on Sunday, 16 August in Cape Town.
Kickoff is at 3pm.
O’Malley hasn’t forgotten the heartbreak she felt when she was left out of the Banyana Banyana squad for the recently ended TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024.
The defender missed the cut by a whisker after she was named in the preliminary group of 28 players. She says while it was tough to accept, but the omission has pushed her to work extra hard.
“It definitely was (tough to accept). As a player, representing your country in a tournament like the WAFCON is a huge dream. Missing out was tough, but it also gave me that extra hunger and drive to work even harder for the next one,” said O’Malley.
“The UWC move will allow me to possibly get regular game time in a competitive league, which is exactly what I need to stay sharp and match-fit. Playing week in and week out, and being part of a rebuilding project like this, will only help me grow and hopefully put me in a strong position for national team selection.”
By Matlhomola Morake
