Arriving in South Africa
After almost a full day of travelling, the squad were greeted by a vocal group of Liverpool FC supporters as they arrived at the team hotel in Johannesburg. A light training session took place at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto ahead of the team's opening game at the venue against Yarona Ladies.
Watch the Ladies visit Alexandra township
Winning start
Following a relaxed morning, the Reds played their first game of the tour and faced an extra challenge as temperatures reached 30 degrees during the match. Despite falling behind, Liverpool Ladies battled back and claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from new signing Caroline Weir and fellow midfielder Katie Zelem. “It wasn't the best of performances but we got the win and it was nice for me to get some game-time and grab the winner,” said Zelem.
Reaching out
Monday was a day with a difference as some members of the squad relaxed after training, while others took part in a photo-shoot for a South African newspaper. The following day brought a trip to Alexandra, one of the worst-off townships in South Africa. The team met 40 football-mad girls and then helped out with a coaching session put on for them alongside club ambassador Gary McAllister. Goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain said: “It was amazing to see how football can bring people together from all walks of life and give those from disadvantaged areas the chance to aspire to their dreams. To tour South Africa was a fantastic opportunity, but to be able to give back to the local communities was even more important. I think we probably enjoyed it as much as the kids did.”
Big game!
Wednesday brought a matchday with a difference. A typical morning and afternoon before a game involves plenty of relaxation but not for the Liverpool Ladies! First of all came an invitation to visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation and be shown around his office and museum. “After that we managed to twist manager Scott Rogers' arm and got to go on safari which was brilliant,” explained Zelem. Travelling round the Lion Park, the squad saw lions, zebras, and cheetahs and then got to cuddle a baby lion cub. They also fed a giraffe while taking advantage of various opportunities for selfies with the animals!
The match against the Mamelodi Sundowns didn't get off to the best of starts and Liverpool found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break. However, a superb second-half fightback saw them recover to romp to a 6-2 success. The goals came from Alex Greenwood, Caroline Weir, Shanice van de Sanden, Emma Lundh, Natasha Harding and Kate Longhurst.
Mission accomplished!
Following a morning recovery session, the tour finished with a team lunch at a traditional South African restaurant. Then some members of the team enjoyed some local face-painting before embarking on the journey back to the airport. Manager Rogers summed up the whole incredible experience: “The whole tour has been fantastic for us, both in terms of our preparations on the pitch and the bonding off it – which is important when you have so many new players in the squad.”
