The University of the Western Cape (UWC) have entered into a partnership with RV United FC – a secondary team that will play in the 2022 Sasol League season.
UWC campaigns in the Hollywoodbets Super League where they finished in third place in 2021.
The collaboration between the two entities will focus on education and football.
“This partnership is also set to assist young talented footballers on their journey as student-athletes, as they prepare for post-university studies and a future in football or beyond,” said UWC on their social media platform.
Among those present at the event were UWC Ladies head coach Thinasonke Mbuli, who is also the Banyana Banyana assistant coach; RV United founder Vuyo Nkayi and Desiree Ellis, the head coach of the South African Senior Women’s National Team, Banyana Banyana.
“We don’t want to be a team that is known for how many cups and medals we have, but we want to be a team that is judged for the number of referrals and good product players produced,” said RV United founder, Vuyo Kayi.
Mbuli had this to say:
“I am very fortunate I’m a product of University football. I know how it is being a student and a footballer, thanks to University Sports South Africa Football, I am where I am because of education and football.”
“When I was in the US I had to balance education and football because if I didn’t, I wasn’t going to play. I think here at UWC we are going that route,” added Nelly Mamabolo, a UWC player and Masters candidate.
Ellis, who has long been a proponent of education and even preaching it to her players, was clear about the way forward.
“Education should come before football because it takes you place,” she said.
For more on RV United, visit https://www.rvunited.org
By Matlhomola Morake
