Wits University Ladies FC will have to look elsewhere for the points they need to stay hot on the heels of Kaizer Chiefs Ladies, after Blue Birds Ladies Football Academy held them to a 1–1 draw on October 4.

Both sides came looking for a win when they met in a SAFA Women’s Provincial League match at Alex Safe Hub, and both left with a point that suited neither. Third-placed Wits, just two points behind second-placed Chiefs and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, needed maximum points to remain in the title race. Blue Birds, meanwhile, were chasing nine points from their final three fixtures in the hope of reclaiming fifth spot on the log.

Read more: Title race pressure catches Blue Birds

For Blue Birds, holding a historically tough opponent to a draw was an achievement in itself, especially given how they started. Head coach Malvin Khumalo revealed that an hour before kick-off, only nine players were available, which threatened team morale. “I sat with them and painted the picture of what it means to represent this township, what it means to this badge. I made an agreement with them that there were two options. Option one, if they are not going to go in and fight here, we would go to the referee and offer them a walkover.”

The second option was for them to take to the pitch and compete. Although they settled for the latter, they were slightly disorganised during the opening minutes, with Khumalo admitting this was compounded by memories of their 4–0 defeat to Wits FC earlier this year.

After opening the scoring, Blue Birds struggled to convert further chances to extend their 1–0 lead, prompting Khumalo to remind them to stay on top of their game. “I told them that this is not a true reflection of what we have done. I reminded them of the [September 24] game, to say, the longer it stays on 1–0, we give them an opportunity to come back,” he said.

Also read: Blue Birds rises from the ashes

Wits FC did exactly that, capitalising on a concentration lapse by Blue Birds to equalise.

Khumalo had known that Wits FC would arrive desperate for a win and that their equaliser might throw his players off, but he prepared them mentally beforehand. “I prepared the players for this moment, to say, if it happens that they equalise, we need to have a positive reaction to that. Sometimes, when we get an equaliser with a team that is fighting for a win, we start to drop, but I said we are not going to do that.”

Even after Wits FC equalised, Blue Birds FC, despite fatigue, denied them any further goals.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!