When the University of Cape Town (UCT) ladies take on Heideveld Female Football Academy in the women’s division of the Coke Cup final this afternoon (15 October 2022), it will be a repeat of the 2019 semi-finals. In that clash in Westridge, UCT emerged victorious – and went on to win the title for the first time ever.

 But today’s clash at Athlone Stadium is expected to be more tightly-contested than ever, featuring two teams at the top of their game: both sides finished as runners-up in their respective streams of the Sasol League Western Cape this season. 

“As a team we are very excited and looking forward to an epic clash,” said UCT coach Ahmed Parker. “It’s too tight to call ahead of time. It could go either way. I wish the other team all the best – and I wish my own team all the best as well, of course.”

The respect is mutual.

“Yes, they (UCT) have been in the Coke Cup previously and it shows with the competitiveness of the games leading up to the final,” said Gavin Combrinck of Heideveld Academy. “The margin of the scores wasn’t that big except at the start of the competition in the preliminary rounds. But when the top teams meet each other, there’s no room for errors.”

It will be the first time that the women division winners will get the same prizes as their male counterparts – and both teams are pulling out all the stops. 

 “It’s never easy to pick a starting XI, but that helps to keep players on their toes. And the UCT side this year has depth in our squad,” Parker noted. “We want to do this one for the people who have supported us throughout the season. I hope we can prevail as a team.”

 Coach Combrinck believes that what carried his side to the finals was their guts and determination.

“I don’t think about how we are going to do against UCT. Honestly, my focus is that women’s football is taking a big step once again,” he said.

“I just feel that in the final, players will be on display for all people to watch and I hope and trust that it will be a good final.”

Kick-off is at 16h30 at the Athlone Stadium. 

Edited by Nicklaus Kruger