PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Philisa Mjambane
Date Of Birth: 7 September 1996
Place of birth: First Gate, Mount Frere, Eastern-Cape
Position: Striker/Winger
Jersey No: 18
Nickname: ‘Musona’ after former Kaizer Chiefs forward Knowledge Musona
Firstly, I was playing with boys’ teams when I was younger, then I moved to the Absa League.
Previous Clubs:
Red Roses Ladies – Absa League (Mount Frere, Eastern-Cape)
Thunderbirds Ladies – Sasol League & Hollywoodbets Super League
Current Club: University of Western Cape Ladies
Last season I begun covering the Hollywoodbets Super League for Soccer Betting News and after watching the live matches l made a shortlist of exceptional players I wanted to interview, while you were still at Thunderbirds Ladies, thank you so much for the opportunity.
Image credits: Skhu Nkomphela/UWC Sport
Bryan: Congratulations on your well-earned move to UWC Ladies, how is life treating you so far in the Mother City, Cape Town?
Philisa: It’s colder here than I was used to, but yeah, everything is fine. Cape Town is a big place, I’m new here so I’m enjoying it. It’s good learning new things together with a such a talented group of players.
Bryan: Last season, you scooped almost all the Player of Match awards at Thunderbirds Ladies. Do you think you will be as influential to the UWC Ladies squad?
Philisa: Yes, I think so. I believe in myself and I’ll continue giving my best every day.
Bryan: Which positions you see yourself playing for UWC Ladies?
Philisa: I’m comfortable playing as a striker or a winger, attacking the game and helping contribute goals for the team.
Bryan: Amongst your fellow new-signings, which players did you admire when you faced them in the league last season?
Philisa: Lonathemba Mhlongo was exceptional when we played against Durban Ladies and both of us play similar positions, now we’re here together, with fantastic players UWC have been developing like Noxolo Cesane.
Bryan: There are a host of Banyana Banyana regulars at the club like Hollywoodbets Super League Goalkeeper of the season, Regirl Ngobeni, club captain Bongeka Gamede, Noxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni just to name a few…
And seeing as coach Thinasonke Mbuli also serves our nation as South Africa’s assistant coach to Desiree Ellis, is this your way to earning a place in the national setup?
Philisa: No, I didn’t plan it that way. I was just thinking about taking this wonderful opportunity with both hands. My coach watches my every movement in training and practise matches, so yes, it will help me get there in the future. For now, I’m concentrating on playing my best football.
Image credits: Skhu Nkomphela/UWC Sport
Bryan: Biggest lessons in football that you learned from your previous coach Thembalethu Apleni?
Philisa: I learned big time from coach Alpeni. He is a very good football coach, he taught us everything as players and he created a positive team spirit, yes, I respect him.
Bryan: What do you want to achieve at UWC Ladies?
Philisa: It’s the style of football they play, it’s the one I like, and I always want to improve my levels to help the team. At UWC Ladies, we rarely kick the ball long, but rather we share it and look for movement from the players upfront.
The driving force behind the ‘Bushies’ – UWC Sports Director, Mandla Gagayi believes this team will be the next Hollywoodbets Super League champions.
“We learned some valuable lessons last season. It wasn’t nice for us to postpone matches because we had four call-ups to the South African national team. It is our intention to win the Hollywoodbets Super League this season. Now we want to be in a space where even if we have several players in the national team, we’ll have competitive players that will go and win matches for us.
Bryan: Do you concur with Mr. Gagayi and who are the key players that can help the team clinch the league title?
Philisa: Everyone will be key. Each and every position has good players so I can’t single out any individuals but if we work together as a team. We are going to achieve our goal and win the league.
Bryan: Which members of the squad under the age of 20 has impressed you so far at training that could represent Basetsana?
Philisa: Lonathemba Mhlongo and the both goalkeepers Robyn Coetzee and Sihle Dlamini play for Basetsana. I know Oyisa Marhasi from Eluhewini Ladies in Eastern Cape, she’s also a very good player.
Bryan: Thank you so much for sharing your time with us, when you’re in Durban, please come through to give our listeners on #HitTheTarget podcasts more insight on the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Philisa: Yes, thank you for the invite I’ll be there.
Written by Bryan Naicker for Soccer Betting News