The University of Cape Town (UCT) has made a significant stride in its commitment to women's football by appointing former Bafana Bafana international Nasief Morris as the head coach of its women’s football team.
Morris, a celebrated figure in South African football and a Santos FC legend, steps into the role following the successful tenure of Ahmed Parker, who previously guided the team to back-to-back Sasol League Western Cape titles.
Morris brings an impressive wealth of experience, having not only left his mark as a player but also as an assistant coach at Cape Town Spurs alongside Shaun Bartlett. His playing career is notable for prominent stints at several clubs across Europe, including Aris Thessaloniki and Panathinaikos in Greece, Recreativo de Huelva and Racing Santander in Spain, and Apollon Limassol in Cyprus. He concluded his footballing journey with South African Premier Division team SuperSport United.
This appointment is particularly timely as UCT’s women’s football team is gearing up for its inaugural season in the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League, following a commendable second-place finish in the 2024 National Play-offs. Mark Bashe, UCT’s Manager of Sport and Recreation, highlighted the strategic importance of Morris’s appointment, stating, “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.”
Bashe further elaborated on UCT's commitment to this new era in women’s football, “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.” He expressed confidence that Morris’s leadership would not only motivate the players but also elevate their performance.
Senior player Thambolinye Mzoneli conveyed enthusiasm about the new chapter for the team. “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,” she said. Mzoneli’s words encapsulate the optimism surrounding Morris’s arrival.
In his own words, Morris relayed his vision for the future: “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.”
Addressing the weight of expectations associated with his new role, Morris acknowledged the pressure yet spoke optimistically about collaboration within the team, stating, “With the support of my team, we’ll overcome hurdles and stick to our objectives for the season.”
Morris is supported by a formidable technical team, including assistant coach Shaquille Williams, goalkeeper coach Mark Kapman, and former Orlando Pirates stalwart Kamal Sait as coach educator. This collaboration underscores UCT’s dedication to not just developing talent but creating a robust support structure for the players.
With Nasief Morris at the helm, UCT signals its ambition to elevate women's football, motivating young athletes and showcasing a long-term commitment to excellence in sport.