Birds crash out in quarters, Alex Ladies make semis

Alexandra’s two outstanding women football clubs, Alex Ladies and Bluebirds, crashed out of the JM Busha Women’s Tournament which was eventually won by Pretoria’s Mamelodi side, Pull Together.

Alex Ladies, a former Sasol Women’s League participant four seasons ago, travelled all the way to the semifinals where they were beaten on penalties by now Highlands North-based Croesus Ladies which previously had Randburg as its home base.

Hosts Bluebirds, on the other hand, crashed out in the quarterfinals of the tournament where they were thrashed 2–0 by eventual tournament winners, Pull Together, who beat Croesus Ladies in the final by the same score line to be crowned champions of the inaugural tournament.

Asked for his views on the tournament as hosts, Birds founder and coach, Malvin Khumalo, described the inaugural tournament as a ‘resounding success’ and said he can’t wait for next year’s edition.

“We were so overwhelmed by the success of the tournament and hope that all teams which participated in this year’s tournament will make it to the second edition next year, and we hope to make it even more successful,” Khumalo said.

On the team’s exit in the quarters, Khumalo laid the blame on his charges’ failure to score goals from the numerous chances created. “Pull Together were lucky to have scored from the chances they created,” he said.

“My girls were determined to find equalising goals that could have taken us to the lottery of penalties but it was never to be. It was not our lucky day and we cannot crucify anyone for that loss, save to say, we could not simply score the goals that determine the outcome of a game.”

The Birds’ mentor also lamented the absence of one of their forwards, Morongwa Manamela, who was away on national duty for the U17 team’s return leg against Nigeria at the Makhulong Stadium in Thembisa on the same day.

“Come next year, we hope to make a big impact in the tournament as our young team will have matured from the gruelling Sasol League. I am building a team of the future and the lessons we learnt from this tournament should stand us in good stead for the next one,” Khumalo said.