Kaizer Chiefs Ladies head coach Unathi Mabena has expressed her pride in the team’s efforts throughout their maiden campaign, describing the season as an important foundation for the growth of women’s football at the Club.

Her sentiments followed Amakhosazana’s 1-0 victory over the University of Johannesburg (UJ) at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Saturday, 17, bringing their inaugural Gauteng Women’s Provincial League campaign to a close on a positive note.

“The players have given a lot of themselves this season, and I am proud of the commitment and determination they have shown. Starting a new team comes with its challenges, but they have continued to work hard, learn and grow together. There is a lot we can take from this campaign, and we have a good foundation to build on,” Mabena told www.kaizerchiefs.com afterwards.

Refilwe Maseko scored the decisive goal in the first half against UJ, ensuring that Chiefs finished their final fixture with maximum points, and ended the league with 70 points. The victory provided a fitting finale to a campaign in which the newly-formed side demonstrated its ability to compete and make progress against more established opposition.

The occasion was made even more memorable by the strong turnout at the Village, with supporters creating an atmosphere of encouragement that lifted the players on the final day of proceedings.

Mabena also acknowledged the role played by the Club’s management in supporting the establishment of the women’s team, as well as the technical department’s contribution throughout the season.

“Football is a collective effort, and I would like to thank the Club’s management for the support they have given us. I am equally grateful to my technical team for their dedication and the work they have put in behind the scenes to prepare the players and help them improve. Everyone has played a part in getting us to this point,” the coach added.

Although the Glamour Girls did not secure a place in the promotion play-offs, their debut campaign provided valuable experience and a platform for further development.

“We know there is still work to do, but we have learned a lot this season. The important thing is to take those lessons forward and remain ambitious,” Mabena concluded.