After guiding Sundowns Ladies to a third consecutive Hollywoodbets Super League championship, Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala is confident that his squad is completely motivated to excel in all three divisions in 2023.
Last season, the Brazilians won the league in stunning fashion with 27 wins out of 30 games, 126 goals scored, and 13 goals allowed. The Brazilians also reached the finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League and the COSAFA Qualifiers.
After the first week of training, Kappa voiced his satisfaction with his troops’ attitude.
“The majority of players returned to camp in peak physical condition because they stuck to the training regimen they received during the break. Their sharpness and physical fitness throughout the first week of training excite me for the upcoming campaign. It demonstrates their professionalism and commitment to embrace the team’s philosophy of beginning each new season with newfound vigor and optimism, as stated by Kappa.
Coach Jerry led his team to a successful Hollywoodbets Super League title defense and was voted Coach of the Season for the second consecutive year at the end-of-season awards. Despite this accomplishment, Kappa believes there is still work to be done to maintain the team’s domestic dominance.
“Last season, we learned a great deal in all three contests, and there are some facets of our game that require improvement. We are working hard to eliminate complacency because we must approach each game with renewed desire to do better than the previous game. Despite our dominance in the Hollywoodbets Super League, we unexpectedly lost to UWC and TUT. The reigning Coach of the Season stated, “Those were avoidable losses, and we must treat every game like a cup final and not save our best performances for certain opponents.”
Restoring Banyana Ba Style to the top of African women’s football is Kappa’s #1 priority for the upcoming season.
“We have also gathered vital experience from the two CAF Women’s Champions League tournaments. Last season, we observed how physically fit teams are getting; as a result, we are working hard to improve our fitness and physical condition. Therefore, I am thrilled by the team’s sharpness and fitness during our initial training sessions. We are extremely motivated heading into the new season, and our primary target remains the conquest of the continent,” Kappa continued.
Teenage talents Munashe Mugwara and Katlego Malebane have also trained with the first team, as Coach Jerry maintains his incredible streak of entrusting children from the youth development squad.
“It is always fascinating to observe the development of our exceptionally brilliant youth. Permitting them to train with the first team is a realistic confidence-building strategy. We are quite happy with their dedication and desire to achieve at Mamelodi Sundowns, concluded Kappa.
Sundowns Ladies are in for a challenging season, and Coach Jerry will be trying to rouse his soldiers for every contest.
»We are highly driven to achieve success in the forthcoming season – Trainer Jerry Tshabala«