University of Fort Hare Ladies secure top eight spot in first round of 2025 HWBSL

This after the Eastern Cape outfit secured a top eight spot after three wins, two draws and three defeats to kick off the new season.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mafene says, it was though to form a working formula with a majority of new players, but happy that the team is starting to take shape.

"I think, with these eight games that we've already played so far, we can only try to get better because there's a team that we only assembled within a space of three months. So, it was a heavy load on them as they are trying to adjust to the system and I believe it's still early already with the tough matches that we've already played,” Mafene said.

“I think we can only be better for the second round because you see certain combinations now are playing out in a manner that we anticipated. So, I think it's only fair to give the players time to at least cool it down a bit and try to understand certain things about the system or formation, but so far, so good."

READ: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies welcome Banyana Banyana star Noxolo Cesane

Fort Hare Ladies managed to challenge the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a tight contest at Tuks Stadium on Sunday, to end up with a narrow 1-0 defeat.

Coach Mafene shares his match analysis.

"Our approach was just clear that we didn't want to drop many points but I would settle for a draw. The game was open for everyone who can be able to capitilise on that because we missed more chances first half, that's when we realised that if we impose more threats on them and we don't allow them to play we'll manage to capitilise and get in some break attacks and some few chances which we couldn't convert,” he added.

“Then later on we realised that they also didn't wanna give us the chance to play the ball at the back and then we decided to get them on counterattacks and break attacks."