The University of Fort Hare's women's football team, known as the Baby Wolves, has reached the final of the Hollywoodbets Super League, where they will face defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. The team secured their spot in the final after defeating City Lads 2-1 in their last group game at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus. This victory earned them 31 points in 14 matches, ensuring their place in the top-flight league of women's football.
The Baby Wolves had a remarkable turnaround in the season, overcoming a lukewarm start and logistical challenges that included points deductions for failing to honour some fixtures. The team's head coach, Simphiwe Mafene, expressed pride in his team's achievement, highlighting their hard work and determination. Mafene noted that the team's travel arrangements were particularly demanding, relying on bus transport for away fixtures, but the team persevered and secured consecutive wins in their final two matches.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the defending champions, had already secured the Super Era Stream before the weekend, with 34 points after 12 matches. They have dominated domestic women's football in recent years, winning a record-extending six consecutive league titles. The recent head-to-head record also favours Sundowns, who have won all four of their previous encounters against the Baby Wolves.
Despite the challenge ahead, Mafene insisted that his side would not approach the final as mere participants and was determined to give the defending champions a competitive challenge. He acknowledged that Sundowns are a big team but emphasized that his team has its own mandate to achieve. The Baby Wolves are set to compete for the first-prize purse of R2m in the final.
The defeat had serious consequences for City Lads, who were relegated from the Super League. Their departure means the Eastern Cape will lose another representative from the country's top-flight women's football competition. Sinenkani Ladies have secured their place in the national playoffs and will be hoping to take advantage of the vacant position left by City Lads as they pursue promotion to the top flight.
The University of Fort Hare's achievement is impressive, considering the team's logistical challenges and the distance they had to travel for away fixtures. The team's determination and hard work have paid off, and they are now set to face one of the top teams in the league. The final match will be a significant test for the Baby Wolves, but they are ready to give Sundowns a competitive challenge.
The Hollywoodbets Super League final between Fort Hare and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies promises to be an exciting match, with the Baby Wolves looking to cause an upset against the defending champions. The team's journey to the final has been remarkable, and they will be hoping to make history by winning the title and the R2m prize.
Key points
- University of Fort Hare's women's football team reaches Hollywoodbets Super League final, to face defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies for R2m prize.
