Bluebirds captain Vangile ‘Nyathama’ Mnguni believes that cheering supporters form a vital cog of a winning team, and hence her call to the Alex community to come in their numbers on 18 and 19 March to give them that winning edge.
She was speaking to Alex News ahead of the much anticipated JM Busha Women’s Soccer Tournament which kicks off on 18 March at the Altrec Sports Complex and finishes the following day at the Alexandra Stadium.
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“Supporters make the 12th player for any team in the field and tend to bolster the momentum of the team, and this is what we need on the coming weekend. The supporter’ sheer presence alone in their numbers at this tournament can work miracles and boost the morale of the team and up our chances of wrestling the cup from [defending champs] Pull Together and keep it in Alex this time around,” said the talented midfield maestro.
Nyathama, as she is known in football circles, promised her Birds outfit will go all the way in the tournament. “I am hungry for the cup and so are the players and our supporters. I can promise this time around we will not disappoint.”
Mnguni was interviewed at the launch and draw of the tournament held at the Altrec Hall. The draw produced an Alex derby with the hosts, the Birds drawn in the same Group A with rivals, Banyana Ba Alex, who ply their trade in the Absa Women’s League. Also drawn in the same group with the hosts are the Flame Lily Queens of Harare in Zimbabwe.
Defending champions of the inaugural tournament, Pull Together from Mamelodi in Pretoria, are in Group C with Golden Ladies from Mahikeng in the North West and Thembisa’s Mighty Lovers.
Coal City Wizards of eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, who are champions of the Sasol Women’s League in their province, have been drawn in Group B with the Birds’ crosstown neighbours, Soweto Fabulous.
Also in Group B is the Swaziland outfit from Manzini, Young Buffaloes, who are popularly known in their hometown as Buffalo Soldiers.
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Kanatla Ladies, champions of the Sasol Women’s League in Limpopo, form Group D with one of the powerhouses of women’s football, multi-championship winning side of the Sasol Women’s League from Thembisa, the Palace Super Falcons.
Completing the draw for Group D is an unknown side, Nicko Taurus Ladies Academy from the West Rand, who have just been promoted to the Sasol Women’s League.
