Coach Jerry Tshabalala Hungry for More Team Success

COACH JERRY TSHABALALA

HUNGRY FOR MORE

TEAM SUCCESS

Author: John Aliu

One would think that after clinching two trebles in three years, Coach Jerry Tshabalala would be resting on his laurels. However, the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team tactician is eyeing more silverware in what is shaping up to be a busy 2024 for Banyana Ba Style.

Since joining the Club in 2012, Coach Jerry has led the team to six league titles, including the last four in a row. Despite overseeing over a decade of different generations of players, the Masandawana coach highlighted that maintaining a strong team culture has been key to their success.

“Over time, we have developed trust among the players, and every season, everyone, including the coaches, understands the mandate. That helps everyone to stay focused and most importantly motivated to go again. We also provide regular feedback to the players so they know how to stay positive and understand that they have the opportunity to write history,” said Coach Tshabalala.

Just recently, the Brazilians became the first African team to be invited to the prestigious Women’s Cup in Kansas City, USA. The reigning CAF Women’s Champions League winners will face stiff competition from host team Kansas City Current, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.

Coach Jerry expressed excitement about the opportunity and highlighted its significance, “To be honest, the four-team inter-club competition will give us much-needed international exposure. The tournament will be a major confidence booster for the team as they compete against some of the toughest Club sides in world women’s football. It is also valuable for us coaches.”

Despite the positive start enjoyed by new signings—Nthabiseng Majiya, Cimone Sauls and Asanda Hadebe—the two-time treble-winning coach is not putting them under any form of pressure.

“They have started very well and we are ensuring that they take things one step at a time. We are happy with their offensive contributions already and even the defensive stability offered by Asanda Hadebe. There is still room for improvement and we know that in the next few years, they will be integral members of the Banyana Banyana team,” the coach added.

With the team set to compete in at least four tournaments this year, the Sundowns Ladies' coach emphasised the importance of maintaining composure during high-pressure matches.

“As a coaching unit, we always try to encourage the players to stay humble and calm no matter the situation. We believe that staying level-headed allows the players to make better decisions on the field and improves their overall resilience. This approach is crucial not only for their development as footballers but also for their personal growth off the field,” Coach Jerry concluded.

As Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies continue with what promises to be an exciting 2024 season, Coach Jerry Tshabalala’s commitment to excellence and player development remains at the forefront. With a blend of experienced Champions and promising new talent, the team is poised to continue its legacy of success while embracing new challenges on the international stage.

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