WOMEN COACHES ON THE RISE

THE INCREASING number of female coaches has played a massive part in the development of women’s football in South Africa.

Presently there is a group of 24 aspiring professional female coaches attending a Safa Coaching D Licence course taking place in Nkangala, Middelburg. They are being led by coaching instructor Raymond Mdaka.

The workshop kicked off on Monday and runs until Saturday.

“As part of Safa’s Vision 2022, we want to give as many women who are interested in this sport an opportunity to get actively involved,” said Mdaka. “We have also made sure that all of our female national teams are coached by women.

“This has worked wonders for us as we have seen the likes of Simphiwe Dludlu (National Under-17 women’s team coach) and Desiree Ellis (Banyana Banyana coach) qualifying for major sporting events such as the Fifa World Cup.

“They have proven that it can be done and we need more of their kind coming through the system.”

Mdaka added that teams competing in Local Football Associations (LFA) and Safa leagues throughout the country need to play their part in giving talented female coaches an opportunity to serve as well.

“My only wish is to see these female coaches attending coaching workshops given opportunities in their respective communities and serving in Sasol leagues, schools sports and in their respective LFAs.

“This will play a massive part in their development as up-and-coming coaches.”