Mbuli hopes FC Nordsjaelland move restores Holweni’s confidence

University of the Western Cape coach Thinasonke Mbuli believes Sibulele Holweni’s move to Danish top-flight club FC Nordsjaelland can help the striker regain her confidence after a difficult period disrupted by injuries.

Holweni was unveiled by FC Nordsjaelland a week ago, where she has been reunited with former UWC team-mate Bongeka Gamede.

Mbuli said the transfer should remind Holweni of her ability and help her rediscover the quality she has shown on the pitch.

“Holweni has been through a lot. I’m very happy for her and I’m proud of her because a lot of people forgot just how good Holweni actually is, even herself,” Mbuli told SABC Sport.

“We had to push her everyday and remind her everyday of how good she is, but every time something big was about to happen for her there would be an injury so I’m just super excited for her.”

The coach also believes Holweni’s reunion with Gamede will make it easier for her to settle into her new surroundings. Gamede’s regular place in the FC Nordsjaelland starting line-up has already helped raise the profile of South African players at the club, according to Mbuli.

“Bongeka Gamede is in the starting 11 week in and week out, and therefore the club assumes that there are more players like Bongeka from South Africa, that is why she has been a great ambassador for us,” she said.

“Holweni did play her part but Bongeka helped to open the door.”

Mbuli said she was proud that Holweni had finally secured a professional contract after several previous opportunities failed to materialise.

She also believes the move could prove beneficial to Banyana Banyana in the near future, with Holweni now set to continue her career in Denmark alongside a player she already knows from her time at UWC.

The coach’s main hope, however, is that the new challenge will allow Holweni to put her injury setbacks behind her and regain belief in her own ability.