Alex’s dream team loses key players for 2018 Sasol Women’s League season

As preparations for the start of the 2018 Sasol Women’s League season get underway, Alexandra’s dream team of the previous season is off to a nightmare start.

This is after Bluebirds were dealt a severe blow with the departure of some key players who formed the core of last season’s team.

Read: Big dreams for Bluebirds’ Vuyo Xabanisa

Among the departed is talented Nonhlanhla ‘Gaddafi’ Mthandi who has returned to her former team Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Gaddafi, who joined the Birds’ nest in 2016, was the kingpin of the Beautiful Birds’ middle of the park as every play revolved around her. The midfield maestro beautifully marshalled the midfield and gave Banyana baMalvin an attacking advantage with her pinpoint passes.

Other players who have departed include Mosele Mokhoali and Melva Mutendeleki, and Birds coach Malvin Khumalo would not say which teams they had joined. A doubtful starter for this season is the ‘Fabulous Gem’, Lerato Williams, formerly of Soweto’s Fabulous Ladies, who has apparently been offered a better deal from an unspecified team.

Read: Natasha Goge returns to the Beautiful Birds

Another doubtful starter is Natasha Goge who has family issues and is not sure whether she is staying or going.

“We may lose a number of players due to educational and work relocations but I am sure we shall be able to retain 60 per cent of the previous squad,” said Khumalo.

He added that the other 40 per cent of the squad would come from their junior ranks. “If we can manage to keep 60 per cent of the previous squad, I am confident we can still sparkle and challenge for honours.”