Bantwana College Football Club proved that hard work and dedication does result in success.
Less than a year before the club’s launch, the now Northcliff based women’s soccer club came out on top at the Rand Central Ladies Football Association’s Inaugural Ladies Champion of Champions tournament.
After a thrilling day of football, Bantwana had one more team between them and the trophy. An intense duel between Bantwana and their finals competition, Akani FC Diepsloot Ladies ended in 2–1 resulting in celebrations for the winners.
Coach Theo Buttress was ecstatic to share the joy the team had with their development over the last year.
He said, “We began the season with a match against Akani and we lost, we then played 13 more matches and only lost three of them. We ended the league in fourth position, entered the competition and got to face Akani in the final.”
The matchup with Akani was one that pleased Buttress.
He stated that it humbled him for various reasons.
The first being the quality, integrity and commitment to women’s football that Akani’s coach possesses.
He labelled the team and the coach as a worthy opponent and added that beating them after losing their first competitive game to them, gave him a sense of growth.
Buttress also shared which match stood out for him and his team. “Our league game against Randburg, which we lost 1–0, was our best match. Regardless of the loss, we left the game feeling very pumped. The match made us feel that we are championship material and that we can compete at the highest level.”
A few months later the team raised their first piece of silverware.
Bantwana has had a phenomenal year but coach Buttress has cautioned his players not to become complacent.
“Even though we have improved and excelled, there is still room for improvement.”
He encouraged his team to strive for greater heights.
Buttress added that the club has opened its doors to welcome new and interested female soccer players for their 2019 campaign. They are calling on soccer players from 12 years old and older to join them.
Details: Bantwana College info@bantwanacollege.co.za; 072 300 1927.
