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I know the pressure that comes with this role and much is expected from me, but that’s part of football. With the support of my team, we’ll overcome hurdles and stick to our objectives for the season. – University of Cape Town coach, Nasief Morris.

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Sizwe sama Yende

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Former Bafana Bafana defender, Nasief Morris, has been appointed the head coach of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) women’s football team.

Morris (43) made his name as a central defender of the now defunct Santos FC before moving abroad and playing in Greece, Spain and Cyprus. He had stint with Aris Thessaloniki and Panathinaikos (Greece), Recreativo de Huelva and Racing Santander (Spain), and Apollon Limassol (Cyprus).

He was recently an assistant coach at Cape Town Spurs.

Morris takes over from Ahmed Parker, who led the team to back-to-back Sasol League Western Cape titles. The legend will guide UCT in the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League, following their second-place finish in the 2024 national play-offs. 

 UCT’s Manager of Sport and Recreation, Mark Bashe, said: “We had to ensure we got the right coaching for this league, and Nasief was the perfect choice. His international renown underscores our commitment to taking women’s football seriously. This move is about inspiring aspiring women footballers to come to UCT. Our immediate goal is establishing ourselves in the league, building our product, and avoiding relegation. We believe Nasief will take us far, and his presence will motivate our players immensely.”

 Bashe said hat UCT was recruiting both student and non-student athletes, with a focus on balancing academic excellence and athletic performance.

UCT senior player, Thambolinye Mzoneli, expressed her excitement about the new era.

“Having a coach like Nasief with so much experience is incredibly motivating. His tactical skills bring a new vibe to the team. We have the talent, the mentality, and the willpower to succeed. With a great coach, we’re aiming for a top-three finish,” Mzoneli said.

Morris described the new challenge as exciting.

“This is an exciting challenge. My main objective is to cement our place in the league and help the team adapt to the demands of the Hollywoodbets Super League. I know this is not men’s football. However, football is football, and I’m here to improve the players both individually and as a team. I’m grateful for the technical team’s support and am confident we’ll work together to achieve our goals,” he said.

Morris said that he was of the huge expectations from him as a former Bafana Bafana player.

Morris acknowledged the pressure that comes with his name and the role. “I know the pressure that comes with this role and much is expected from me, but that’s part of football. With the support of my team, we’ll overcome hurdles and stick to our objectives for the season,” he said.

Morris will be supported by Shaquille Williams as assistant coach, Mark Kapman as goalkeeper coach, and former Orlando Pirates stalwart Kamal Sait as coach educator.