Former PSL defender Thabo September is expanding his ‘football empire’ in the Eastern Cape. The retired footballer-turned-coach is set to launch Komani United Ladies FC.
The ex-SuperSport United captain already owns the men’s football side under the Komani United banner, which competes in the SAFA Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League.
This latest venture into the women’s game is designed to provide a professional platform for aspiring female footballers in the Komani region.
Rather than building from scratch, September acquired an existing outfit to ensure an immediate competitive presence.
TAKING OVER PHOENIX BIRD LADIES IN THE EASTERN CAPE SASOL LEAGUE
Komani United Ladies will take over the spot previously held by Phoenix Bird Ladies FC in the Eastern Cape Sasol League.
“We will be competing in the Eastern Cape Sasol League as Komani United Ladies Football Club,” September told FARPost.
“The plan is already in motion; now it’s just a matter of assembling the players. We are actually taking over from an existing team [Phoenix Bird Ladies].”
While the branding and administrative structure will shift under the Komani United umbrella, September is focused on maintaining stability within the team rather than replacing previous staff.
“We’re taking a collaborative approach. We have decided to keep the technical team of the club together and maintain a working relationship with the coaches,” he explained.
“So, we’re just going to keep them, make it more organised, and put it under Komani United.”
THABO SEPTEMBER’S GROWING EASTERN CAPE INFLUENCE
September’s impact on Eastern Cape football has been felt immediately. His men’s team, which he acquired in August last year, narrowly missed out on the Provincial Playoffs on the final day of the ABC Motsepe League season last month.
Komani finished in second place in the Coastal Stream with 38 points, level with the stream winners, Old Grey.
Despite finishing level on points with stream winners Old Grey, Komani fell short on goal difference. Old Grey secured the top spot with a +23 goal difference margin, while Komani trailed with +15.
With the addition of a women’s side, September is clearly showing his intentions to make Komani one of the strongest teams in South African football.
RELATED STORY: Thabo September reacts as Komani miss out on ABC Motsepe Playoffs