Former Kaizer Chiefs goalie William 'Cool Cat' Shongwe has explained why it would be in the club's best interest to establish a women's team as a matter of urgency after Jessica Motaung's remarks.
Kaizer Chiefs' marketing director Jessica Motaung stated that Banyana Banyana's Women's Africa Cup of Nations triumph had inspired her, insisting that the club is working hard to start a women's team.
Motaung reiterated Amakhosi's commitment to women's football on Tuesday as multitudes of fans welcomed the 2022 queens of Africa – WAFCON champions, Banyana Banyana, at the OR Tambo International Airport.
This is not the first time Jessica has stated that Chiefs are planning on establishing a women's team, and it remains unclear as to when the team will be formed, and Shongwe has urged Amakhosi to do so the team will only benefit the club.
"First of all, Chiefs can increase their fan base with a women's team and secondary, they will be viewed as a team that also is concerned about gender-based violence; I mean, it is a violence of its own that women are not being concerned at Chiefs," Shongwe told the Siya crew.
"You can't say it with your mouth and not act upon it, but by incorporating women, you are basically saying there is power in that gender. Thirdly, there is positivity. You are also being seen playing a role in improving the status of women's football and women in the country.
"The power at Chiefs speaks volumes, and whatever Chiefs goes, picks up faster than when other teams are doing it; it is a big plus, and the club can attract sponsors. Sponsors are looking for numbers, and I am sure it will create awareness for people with a budget to spend to say here is an opportunity; if the Chiefs get involved, they can transform women's football.
"Now they are viewed as a men's team, and they are supported by a lot of women as well, and I am sure they are feeling left out. They already have a great fan base, and the chances of having the fan base multiplied are very high should they engage a women's team," Shongwe added.
"Mamelodi Sundowns have been exceptional in that department, and Mam Mkhize of Royal AM has also come on board; she wants to make women's football active at club level, and we have teams in the women's teams, but they won't have resources, and they are struggling financially which is disheartening for these girls.
"I don't know what is taking so much for Chiefs to join in; they should have jumped on the bandwagon earlier for the team that they are," concluded the ex-Chiefs goalkeeper.
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