Coach Godfrey Sapula - Sustaining Excellence at Sundowns Ladies

Author: John Aliu

In his first season at the helm, Coach Godfrey Sapula has guided Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to yet another landmark achievement, clinching the Hollywoodbets Super League title and extending the Club’s dominance to six consecutive league triumphs.

It is a feat built on consistency, discipline and belief — values that have defined Banyana Ba Style over the years and have continued seamlessly under new leadership. Reflecting on the campaign, Coach Sapula speaks with humility, gratitude and a clear focus on what lies ahead.

Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine (MSDM): Coach, congratulations on guiding the team to their sixth Hollywoodbets Super League title. What does this achievement mean to you and the squad?

Godfrey Sapula (GS): Thank you. This achievement is very humbling for me. There is a lot of pride, but also a lot of gratitude. I must give big praise to the players because they are the ones who bring our ideas to life on the pitch. The pressure is always there at a Club like Mamelodi Sundowns and the work throughout the season is not easy. The players showed commitment, belief and professionalism from start to finish, and this title belongs to them.

MSDM: What would you say was the defining factor behind Sundowns Ladies’ consistency this season?

GS: Our consistency came from focusing on ourselves. We did not look too much at the league table or external factors. The discipline within the team, the clear structure and trusting the process were key. The formula was simple — work hard, stay humble and keep improving. The players showed adaptability and resilience, especially in difficult matches, and that allowed us to grind out results even when conditions were not ideal.

MSDM: The team has dominated women’s football for years. How do you maintain hunger and motivation in the squad?

GS: Hunger comes from setting high standards and clear targets. At Sundowns Ladies, there is an expectation to win every match and that ambition drives the team. Every player feels valued and understands their role. We take it one game at a time and focus on what we can control. The desire to perform well — in training and on match days — is already within the players, and our role as the technical team is to keep that environment healthy and competitive.

MSDM: Which moments in this campaign tested the team the most and how did you overcome them?

GS: Coming back after the COSAFA exit, which meant we did not qualify for the CAF Women's Champions League. We had no option but to redeem ourselves. In the league campaign, we were tested by strong teams like the University of Fort Hare, JVW and TS Galaxy Queens. The biggest tests came in tough away fixtures, where you have to grind for results. Matches like the 1–0 win against Richmond United (played in September) showed the team’s mentality. In those moments, patience was important. We stayed focused on our objective of winning every game, improved our box occupation and worked hard on converting chances. That mental strength made the difference.

MSDM: Looking ahead, what are your priorities for next season?

GS: We are targeting the CAF Champions League, and qualifying for it is a major objective for us. This is a competition the Club has won before and we want to compete strongly again. At the same time, we want to continue our local dominance — make it seven, eight, nine, ten league titles. We believe the team still has room to improve and we are confident we can do much better next season, especially on the continental stage.

MSDM: Finally, how will the team soak in the Celebrations around the sixth league title?

GS: There is a lot of joy and pride within the team and across the Mamelodi Sundowns family. The players, technical staff and supporters all deserve to celebrate this achievement. At the same time, we understand the responsibility that comes with success. We will enjoy the moment, but we also know that at Sundowns, celebration is always followed by preparation for the next challenge.

For many in the Yellow Nation, Godfrey Sapula represents the bridge between Sundowns’ proud past and its dominant present. Known as “The Godfather,” he was a key figure in the midfield during the Club’s successful years from 2002 to 2008, lifting major honours at Chloorkop with the senior men’s team. Now on the touchline, Sapula continues to build the legacy, leading Banyana Ba Style with the same authority and winning spirit that once defined his playing days.

Staying Sharp: Sundowns Stars Share Their Festive Fitness Plans

Celebrity vs Supporter

Fun & Trivia

Zaid April Secures His Maiden Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship Title

Tsiki Ntsabeleng’s Homecoming: Creativity and Dynamism for Sundowns’ Midfield

Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

Categories

Social Footprints