07 October 2019 – Former KwaZulu-Natal Sasol League champions Sunflower WFC, are not taking anything for granted as yet another title beckons for the Hammarsdale LFA club.
Founded in 1996 by Chairman and owner Mr Siyabonga Malinga and having won the title a mere two years back in 2017, the impressive outfit are gunning for more silverware this year with a keen eye on the brand new National Women’s League as well.
SAFA.net had the honour of talking to team manager Manah Nhlema who offered interesting viewpoints on the team’s success, challenges and the deadly attack at their disposal.
The club are currently in top position, some distance ahead of nearest rivals Lindelani Ladies and have a staggering goal difference of +140 with a handful of matches to go.
When coaxed about the club’s great season thus far, Nhlema was circumspect in her assessment.
“What it boils down to is hard work. We also had a successful pre-season in Swaziland, which helped a lot. It served as a great confidence booster. Also, our technical team view the girls as professionals and hence take things seriously. They empower our youngsters and the girls feed off that,” said Nhlema.
On the team’s mind-blowing goal difference, the manager put it down to a team effort.
“It is inherently a team effort that has brought about the many goals we have scored. We have a carpet-football philosophy that is possession-based. We are also quite skilful as well as tactically aware. This is a key advantage over other teams and we also have a lot of experience,” added the manager.
The club has already produced four U17 Bantwana stars that went to the World Cup as well as an U20 Basetsana star. There have also been players who have attended training camps for the senior national team. If this isn’t enough, the team’s personnel made up 70% of the One Nation Cup tournaments in Japan and Germany. An impressive fact given that many players are still studying at various levels, which can also be a challenge.
Nhlema stated that she is grateful for the help received from the eThekwini Municipality but still hopes for a corporate sponsor to come on board. The team are not just about football either as special attention was paid to women abuse last month. Members wore black (pictured) to honour women who have lost their lives.
Coming back to footballing matters though, Nhlema is indeed excited about the National Women’s League but is taking things one step at a time.
“It is a goal of ours but we still have a long way to go. We have to win our province first and then have to get through the nationals. We simply don’t want to drop points and just keep doing what we have been doing,” she said.
Nhlema had one last message for the loyal fans as the season reaches boiling point.
“We are pleading for support. We won’t disappoint or let anyone down. We will stay grounded and humble and try our best. We know that many people look up to us,” concluded Nhlema.