Coach Jerry Tshabalala believes there are important lessons to be learned following his team’s shock exit from the CAF Women’s Champions League after a 2-1 loss to Edo Queens of Nigeria at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
“We are disappointed with our performance, especially given the effort we put into preparation. We executed the plan very well in the first half, creating opportunities and maintaining good defensive shape. However, we lost focus in critical moments during the second half, which ultimately cost us the game,” Tshabalala said.
Coach Jerry also acknowledged the team’s inconsistent performance and areas for improvement, stating, “Our level of hunger was not where it needed to be at the start of the competition. We did not approach the opening game with the intensity and focus required at this level. However, we came out blazing in the second game, showing much more determination and urgency. Unfortunately, defensively, we lacked the solidity and discipline needed to sustain our momentum and secure the desired results. Nevertheless, we gave our all and left everything on the pitch, and for that, I am proud of the team’s effort and commitment.”
On a positive note, Coach Jerry highlighted the valuable insights gained from the competition, saying, “The key lesson here is that we need to be more aggressive and assertive, especially in critical moments. We must capitalise on our opportunities and remain focused throughout the game. As a team, we need to improve our adaptability and game management under pressure. Tournament games are different from Hollywoodbets Super League games as they demand a higher level of intensity, quicker decision-making and the ability to handle diverse styles of play from strong opponents.”
Despite the result, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies remain the most successful team in the history of the CAF Women’s Champions League, boasting two titles (2021 and 2023). With these lessons in mind, the team looks forward to regrouping and building on their legacy for future competitions.
There were signs before the way we were playing in local league was not convincing compared to 2022
To say we lack aggression is an understatement.. And for the coach to say they left everything on the pitch… Like really which game was he watching second half th e team was defending throughout even lucky to get 2 otherwise l think we deserved to be beaten by 4 goals to 1… The coach said said they would apply what they learnt in USA but thy repeated the same mistakes…. Time for technical team overhaul if this team continues to perform this way…. The Hollywoodbets competition or lack of it thereof gives the team a false sense of confidence….. We need to beef up the squad our team is easily bullied when playing against physically strong teams which will alwrys be a disadvantage… Coach musd learn to adapt to the new trends and systems instead of sticking with the old 3 5 2 system of his no matter what … However we keep on supgorting the ladies but this time around they know that they really flopped and disappointed the Masandawana family who were hoping for the third title
Hard luck Masandawana 2 b in the finals in the same competition for 3 years is an achievement on its own and 2 win it 2 times on those occasions its excellency.You r faaaantastic.Coming 2 the overall performance in those 3 games we looked fatigued &exhausted our team couldn’t go 2 the next gear.Hard luck next time some mistakes &shortcomings and shortfalls will b overcome.U r our children,a pride of the nation and also holding a legendary status.As a Sundowns family we r saying THANK YOU A thousand times
Wangibulala Ncube!!..mnfe2…by the way..I agree with every point …you mentioned….I know how you wish.its Jery who is saying this!!….as a response…ngyamuzwa u Mnfana khuluma nge fatigue…hayyi hayyi lesilungu.bafwe2..nizosibulala ngaso…sengilizwile leligama..njalo mayidliwe I team not mayiwinile…ngabe silwane sini.lesi…good luck to the most respected and most hated team kwi final…Masandawana
Thanks mfowe2 Boh sometimes iqiniso kumelwe levezwe njengoba linjalo akusizi ngalutho ukushalazelela amaphutha siwabhekile nje… We love this team and can not afford to jusd keep quiet when we see things going wrong We ask the sporting director to shake up things in the technical team… Defending champions can not be knocked out in groug stages at least reach the semi finals and fight to be in the final then we can say at least the courage was there.. Worse of all the teams in our groups were debutants in the tournament