Mamelodi Sundowns Academy Coaches Accredited With Elite CAF Badges

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ACADEMY COACHES ACCREDITED WITH ELITE CAF BADGES

Author: Erica Mathye

Two Mamelodi Sundowns Academy coaches have recently earned prestigious coaching certifications. Surprise Moriri, the development head coach, has obtained a CAF A license, while Zanele Madonsela, a defender and development coach for the Sundowns Ladies team, has achieved a CAF C license. These accomplishments underscore the Club’s commitment to fostering a qualified coaching staff.

Coach Surprise Moriri’s transition into coaching has been marked by his involvement with the Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team and the U19 squad, where he has experienced considerable success. He emphasized his dedication to expanding his knowledge and skill set beyond the confines of the pitch.

Reflecting on his experience during the coaching course, Coach Surprise described it as an eye-opener, allowing him to connect with well-seasoned coaches throughout his journey to earning the CAF A badge.

“Acquiring this badge means a lot to me. I pursued it to better equip myself for accelerating the development of our future stars. Football evolves, and we must always strive to learn and improve ourselves to develop better players. It was an incredible experience, sharing a class with some of the best coaches in the SADC region. The information and experiences exchanged were valuable.”

The U19 head coach shared some of the lessons he learned and plans to implement with his team.

“I left the course with many lessons that I will apply for the betterment of the team and the development of the players. I learned that, beyond tactics and techniques, the psychological aspect of the game is equally important for helping players cope with pressure both on and off the field. As coaches, we also have the responsibility to provide parental support to these kids, allowing them to open up about challenges they face at home, school, and in other areas of their lives.”

Inspired by her mentor, Coach Jerry Tshabalala – the Head Coach of the Ladies’ Team, Zanele Madonsela is determined to elevate her coaching career by obtaining coveted qualifications from CAF. Recently earning her CAF C badge, Coach Zanele is charting a path toward a promising future in the dugout while also balancing her playing career.

“I’m trying to balance playing and coaching, even though it’s not easy due to our travel commitments and the need to support the team when we’re not on the pitch. At the same time, the young players in my team require my full-time attention as their coach. While my ultimate goal is to focus entirely on coaching, juggling both roles has been quite challenging, but rewarding for me.”

Coach Zanele expressed her gratitude to the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies technical team for the significant impact they have had on her career, which, in turn, has empowered her to support her players effectively.

“Coaching has helped me realise my potential. I’ve come to understand that I know much more about football than I initially thought. Bringing about positive change in the players' lives has been the most rewarding aspect of coaching. The relationship I have with Coach Jerry and the entire Ladies’ technical team has been instrumental in my growth as a coach. The impact they have made on my life is the kind I aspire to replicate in someone else’s life.”

The successful transition of Coach Surprise into his coaching role following retirement, coupled with Coach Zanele’s ability to balance playing and coaching, underscores Mamelodi Sundowns’ commitment to nurturing talent from within their ranks. This further highlights the Club’s long-term vision of fostering growth and leadership from within, ensuring sustained success for years to come.

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