Coach Jerry Tshabalala Shares Valuable Takeaways from Women’s Cup

COACH JERRY TSHABALALA

SHARES VALUABLE

TAKEAWAYS FROM WOMEN'S CUP

Author: John Aliu

Coach Jerry Tshabalala believes the experience his team gained from competing in the recently held Women’s Cup will significantly enhance their performance for the rest of the season.

The reigning South African League Champions made history as the first African team to participate in the prestigious annual tournament. Despite not securing victories in their matches against Kansas City Current and INAC Kobe, Sundowns Ladies displayed resilience and determination.

The team’s overall performance left Coach Jerry Tshabalala feeling encouraged and he expressed his optimism about the growth and lessons learned during their trip to the United States.

“We showed that we can hold our own against top-level opposition and that is something to be proud of. This experience has been a major learning curve for the team and I believe it will only make us stronger moving forward. Competing against teams like Kansas City Current and INAC Kobe has given us a real taste of what the global stage is like and I think the players have realized the level of intensity and discipline required at that level.”

The Sundowns Ladies tactician conveyed his eagerness for more opportunities like this, stating, “We need more of these kinds of opportunities to grow and develop as a team. Competing against some of the best teams in the world challenges us and pushes us to elevate our performance. It is not solely about the results; it is about the valuable experience and knowledge we gain from these matches.”

From a tactical perspective, Coach Jerry believes as the technical team they gained valuable insights into his coaching methods throughout the tournament.

“This experience has opened our eyes to different strategies and approaches that we can incorporate into my coaching. Observing how top-level teams execute their game plans has given us a deeper understanding of the tactical decisions that can make a difference in matches.”

He continued, “I have also realized the importance of being adaptable as a coach. Each game presented unique challenges that required quick adjustments and I have learned how essential it is to not only prepare a team for various scenarios but also to trust my instincts during matches. The tournament reinforced the idea that flexibility is key in coaching, as we often face unexpected situations on the field.”

Sundowns Ladies Midfielder, Nonhlanhla Mthandi also shared her reflections on the tournament, saying, “Participating in the tournament was an eye opener. We have dominated the Hollywoodbets Super League and the CAF Women’s Champions League multiple times, but the trip to the United States opened our eyes to the fact that there is still so much that we can improve on. Competing against world-class teams has shown us different styles of play, different tactical approaches and the sheer intensity at which these teams operate. It was a humbling yet motivating experience.”

She continued, “For me, it was an incredible learning experience. It reminded me that there is always room for growth, no matter how successful you have been. This trip has made us hungrier, and more determined to elevate our game and reach new heights. We are coming back stronger, not just for ourselves but for the legacy of women’s football in Africa.”

As Sundowns Ladies are on the verge of defending their title in the Hollywoodbets Super League, the team is fully motivated by the significant experiences gained from their recent participation in the Women’s Cup. With a renewed sense of purpose, the Sundowns Ladies are not just aiming to reclaim their title but also to demonstrate the growth of women’s football in Africa.

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