Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC head coach, Jerry Tshabalala, is gearing up for another historic run in the CAF Women’s Champions League, but his sights are set beyond just defending their title.
Tshabalala, who has already guided the South African giants to two CAF Women’s Champions League crowns in the tournament’s short history, understands that winning is vital, yet he places equal emphasis on the long-term development of young female talent within the club.
Heading into the tournament as defending champions, Tshabalala acknowledges the weight of expectations but remains unfazed. He sees the pressure as a driving force that keeps his team sharp and focused.
“It’s always a challenge going into a tournament as defending champions because everyone is watching and expecting the best from us. We channel that pressure into focus and preparation, ensuring we perform to our best ability, while keeping the mindset that we need to earn our success again,” Tshabalala shared.
The evolution of the women’s game in Africa is something that excites him. He has witnessed firsthand how much the competition has improved over the last two editions.
Teams are not only tactically stronger, but many clubs, such as Simba Queens and TP Mazembe, have invested more in their women’s sides, raising the overall quality of the tournament. This increased competitiveness demands that Mamelodi Sundowns keep evolving to stay ahead.
One area that Tshabalala has focused on ahead of this year’s competition is physicality. Traditionally, COSAFA nations, including South Africa, have struggled in that aspect, but Sundowns have worked hard to ensure their players are physically prepared.
Tshabalala brought in conditioning coach Hannah Dwyer to enhance the team’s endurance, recovery, and overall fitness, ensuring that they are ready to handle the physical demands of the tournament.
A notable highlight for South African football this year is the presence of two clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and University of the Western Cape (UWC), in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Tshabalala sees this as a major achievement for the women’s game in South Africa, signaling the growing strength of the domestic league. For UWC, making their debut in the competition, Tshabalala offered some sage advice: “I would advise them to approach the tournament with confidence and believe in their abilities. Preparation is key, especially in managing the demands of tournament football. The small details, like recovery, set pieces, and game management, will make a big difference.”
As Sundowns embark on their title defense, Tshabalala is also looking at the bigger picture. While another CAF Women’s Champions League trophy would solidify their dominance, the coach is equally focused on developing the younger players and ensuring the club maintains consistent performances.
“It’s important for us to showcase the growth of our footballing philosophy, ensuring that every game reflects our progress. We also want to improve in areas where we struggled in previous editions, like adapting to different tactical styles and being more clinical in front of goal,” he said.
With their sights set on retaining the crown, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC will not only be looking to make history but also to continue shaping the future of women’s football in South Africa and beyond.
