One of Africa’s leading technical brains heads Stellenbosch FC’s women’s football programme

Well-travelled Booysen has been at Stellies for just over two weeks now, and she is heading the Stellenbosch FC women’s football programme. Previously campaigning in the Sasol provincial women’s league, Stellies earned University of Cape Town (UCT) status in the Hollywoodbets Super League (HWBSL), and that’s where they will now compete. 

Speaking to SABC Sport at the SM Sports Consultation’s mentorship programme yesterday, Booysen says this is a big move for the club.

"Absolutely, it's going to be huge. I think just interveiwing with them for the position, then going there, seeing the facilities and then meeting the right people. I think the excitment around Stellies now having a Hollywoodbets team as well, for me, thats huge," said Booysen 

READ: African Football League set to return, but only with huge prize money packages - Motsepe

"I think we now have two Hollywoodbets teams in Cape Town, and I think it's really exciting that they're at opposite ends — one is in the winelands estate and one is in the heart of Cape Town."

Stellies become the third Premier Soccer League team, after Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy, to have a women’s team in the HWBSL. Previously, the now-defunct Royal AM was also part of this league. In the Western Cape, they join the University of Western Cape (UWC), one of the strongest teams in this competition, and Booysen is happy to come in and play a leading role in this project.

"I am really excited about that. I am really excited that I was given the opportunity. So I have to say thank you to Stellenbosch. But again, I think you come with some sort of pedigree, and that helps a lot when you can bring the experience to the fore and help develop new coaches and players. Seeing the growth of the women's game over the last couple of years has excited me so I'm glad to be back and be part of that."

Booysen was coaching one of the top women’s teams in Egypt last year, Wadi Degla, after a short stint in Afghanistan. The former Banyana Banyana goalkeeper and CAF A Licensed coach explains how the local move came about and finally returns home.

Booysen is not your average women’s football technical expert, as she has also done a lot of work for FIFA in and outside the continent. She was part of coach Desiree Ellis’ technical team at the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup. She believes that this Stellies project could turn out to be one of the best in the country.