Nyandeni: We Can Dethrone Sundowns Ladies
By Malose Wa Ga Lamola
Nature has a tendency to panel beat and sips away strength and pace, but Nompumelelo Nyandeni, of Janine Van Wyk Football Club for Girls has defied science as she gathers strength and becoming quicker as she ages.
Nyandeni finished the 2021/22 Hollywoodbets Super League season a joined top goalscorer, tying up with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies star Andisiwe Mqcoyi, after the duo rattled the net a massive twenty-seven times. The veteran midfielder-cum-striker shows no signs of slowing down, as she is leading the pack this season with fifteen goals in fourteen games under her belt. “Last season we had joint top goalscorers with both me and Andisiwe Mqcoyi, that shows the level of healthy competition in the women’s soccer league. I have to say that also plays a role in motivating me to keep scoring, but most of all, it’s just hard work on and off the field that keeps me going.” Nyandeni told ShakingInk.
With quality in their depth, The Blue Diamonds, were tipped to be favourites to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies for honours, but the Chloorkop based outfit proved too strong for JVW Football for girls, finishing miles ahead of the Janine Van Wyk owned club. With a more deep intake of breath, Nyandeni, admits that JVW should be taking The Brazilians on and never make life easy for the reigning Hollywoodbets Super League champions. “With the quality of talent we have in the team, I think we can fight for the title. It wouldn’t be a surprise if we get to win the league, because of the level of hard work we put in.” Nyandendi insisted.
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The establishment of the Hollywoodbets Super League has surely helped in strengthening the national team. With goals scored at a high rate in the domestic league and players playing competitive football week in- week out. Since, its inception, Hollywoodbets Super League has paved the way for most players to earn massive contracts abroad. Nyandeni says Banyana Banyana are great beneficiaries of the semi-professional league. “The Hollywoodbets Super League has played a massive role in helping players get recognized by the national team and helping with keeping them fit with competitive matches played week in and week out. Where to improve? I can say that maybe if we had a few more cup competitions to compete in, like they have in the DStv Premier League.” Maintained Nyandeni.
Every generation is the legacy of the one that came before it. The current crop of Banyana has inherited a lot from those who donned the green and gold stripes before. With 149 full international Banyana Banyana caps, Nyandeni, is one of many players who fell short of Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) success. Banyana has reached six WAFCON finals and winning a mere one of the six. Former WFC Rossiyanka midfielder says, the experience Banyana has been gathering over the years, has finally come to the fore. “Banyana has put the talent of South African women’s soccer players on display and made us all proud to be players of the beautiful game. With the experience of players who have been in the set-up for years and the new generation of young, talented players, the experience has helped the national team balance and showcase the hard work they do.” Nyandeni said.
Women's football is on the rise on a global stage. The European Championship final match between England and the German side saw a whooping 87 192 spectator attendance, a record crowd in a football match, both men and women. Though, it is impressive to see women's football getting a deserved recognition, but there are hiccups. “I don’t think gender equality is prioritized when it comes to football. I mean we have amajita (men) who play the beautiful game as their day-to-day job, then we have us who have to play the game because we love it and because of the talent of course, but (we) have also a job on the side away from the game to maintain our lives because of the difference in the gap of the salaries they get, and we get. We get broadcasted but not so much as amajita and there are many differences and no equality, but it is a work in progress.” Bemoaned Nyandeni.
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has promised to arm twist professional teams on the continent to have a coexisting women's team to earn a spot in CAF competitions. CAF club licensing senior manager, Muhammad Sidat, emphasized that a club must have a female side to be granted green light to take part in continental interclub competitions from the 2022/23 campaign going forward. A view that has been eagerly awaited by many football lovers. Nyandeni applauds CAF for taking this gigantic step towards the growth of women's football on the continent. “Yes, I think it will improve the level of competition in our football because everyone who plays the beautiful game would love to have international competition. It will mean more recognition from international clubs and serve as a motivation to win.” Wrapped Nyandeni.
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