Former Banyana Banayana coach Anna Monate is looking to go further with the University of Johannesburg this season and feels hosting the showpiece is a major advantage.
The highly respected coach left tournament giants Tshwane University of Technology for a new challenge at UJ but fell at the semi-final stage in her first tournament.
Having lost 2-1 to the University of Pretoria after a late own-goal, they will now be aiming to challenge TUT and reigning champions University of the Western Cape to lift their second title.
Anna Monate joined UJ from TUT because she wanted a new challenge.
The 53-year-old mother of two boys will be the oldest coach in this year’s Women’s Varsity Football tournament and is eager to help UJ win their second title.
“Yes it’s an advantage [for our squad] with everything like we train, play there and are used to the weather and environment,” the coach who steered Banyana between 2006 and 2008 said.
“Most of the players are the regulars in both structures of our league senior side and development side and we train together.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Monate has warned there’s more than one to look out for amongst a talented crop of players Shannon Maccom, Angela Munaisi, Thubelihle Shimase and Sphumelele Shimase are the ones she feels will be the difference makers.
DID YOU KNOW?
UJ won the inaugural Varsity Football women’s tournament in 2013.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: Orange Army
Province: Gauteng
Appearances: Eight (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021)
Titles: 1
Biggest win: 6-0 against TUT
Biggest loss: 4-0 against TUT
2022 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Mazivise, Avela Wotini, Bontle Hobyane
Defenders: Lerato Lefa, Shannon Macomo, Kabelo Mokoena, Lungile Khumalo, Boitumelo Rasehlo, Ntsandeni Munasi, Queen Ntsoelikane
Midfielders: Bryden Mokobi, Sthembile Sandleni, Sphumelele Shamase, Ayesha Moosa, Mbali Sibindi, Nontobeko Mthabela, Liya Sarfudin Fikile Bapela
Forwards: Thubelihle Shamase, Lesego Nhlapo, Refilwe Maseko, Nazneen Khan, Zara Wilkinson, Petunia Mabasa.
TECHNICAL TEAM
Head coach: Anna Monate
Assistant coach: Delisile Mbatha, Nthabeleng Modiko
Goalkeeper coach: Lucky Shiburi
Physical Conditioner: Kgotuwe Tswai
Physiotherapist: Sibongile Jongwa
Compliance officer: Mpho Mohalane
Video analyst: Oriel Bagani
Media Officer: David Sootho
Kit manager: Mpho Mohalane
Team manager: Alphina Mokwena
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