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Unathi Simayile: "Representing my country is an incredible honor, and it's a milestone that I'm very proud of."

 As the Hollywoodbets Super League season in full swing, University of the Western Cape (UWC) are gearing up for their league opener taking on defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and defender Unathi Simayile is preparing for one of the biggest games of her career. The 23-year-old from Cape Town, who recently earned her first call-up to the South African Women’s Senior National Team, sat down with us to discuss her journey as a student-athlete, her national team experience, and her mindset heading into the season opener.

Unathi Simayile © Gallo Images

Stepping Up to the National Team

Q: You recently received a call-up to the South African Women’s Senior National Team. How does playing at that level compare to club football?

Unathi Simayile: Playing for the national team is a significant step up from club football. The intensity and level of competition are much higher, with the best players from around the country competing against each other. Every game is a battle, and you need to be at the top of your game to succeed.

Q: What did it mean to you to wear the national team jersey?

Unathi Simayile: Representing my country is an incredible honor, and it's a milestone that I'm very proud of. This experience will undoubtedly impact my game moving forward. I've learned so much from playing with and against the best players in the country, and I'm excited to bring that experience back to my club team.

Thriving at UWC

Q: UWC has been one of the most competitive teams in South African women’s football. How has playing for the club shaped you as a player?

Unathi Simayile: Playing for UWC has been an incredible experience. The team has a rich history of success, and the pressure to perform is always high. However, this pressure has helped shape me into a better player. I've learned how to handle expectations and how to perform under pressure.

Unathi Simayile © X (UWCFootball)


Facing Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the Season Opener

Q: Your first match of the season is against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. How are you and the team feeling ahead of this challenge?

Unathi Simayile: Our first match in the Hollywoodbets Women's Super League is against the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. We're all feeling excited and a bit nervous, but we're ready for the challenge. We've been working hard in pre-season, and we're confident that we can get a good result.

Q: Sundowns is one of the most dominant teams in the league. What will be key for UWC to get a positive result?

Unathi Simayile: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are a dominant team in South African women's football, but we believe that we can get a good result if we stick to our game plan. We need to be disciplined, work hard, and take our chances when they come. If we can do that, we'll be in with a shout.

Game-Day Mentality & Preparation

Q: How do you mentally prepare for big matches like this?

Unathi Simayile: Mental preparation is key for big matches like this. I prepare by visualizing the game, thinking about different scenarios, and focusing on my own game. I also make sure to get plenty of rest, eat well, and stay hydrated.

Unathi Simayile © Gallo Images


Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals that help you stay focused?

Unathi Simayile: Yes, I have a few pre-game rituals that help me stay focused and confident. I always listen to music before the game, and I have a specific playlist that gets me pumped up. I also make sure to arrive at the stadium early, so I can get settled and focused before the game.

Q: What motivates you to perform at your best on game day?

Unathi Simayile: What drives me to perform at my best on game day is the desire to make my family, friends, and teammates proud. I also want to prove to myself that I can perform at the highest level. When you're playing for your country or your club, you're not just playing for yourself; you're playing for everyone who supports you. That's what motivates me to give it my all every time I step onto the pitch.


Hollywoodbets Fixtures: Saturday, 22 March 2025.

TUT vs Copperbelt Ladies

Lucas Moripe Stadium

Kick-Off : 11h00


Mamelodi Sundowns vs UWC

Lucas Moripe Stadium

Kick-Off : 15h00


City Lads vs UJ

Isaac Wolfson Stadium

Kick-Off : 13h00


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