Legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson once declared that goals win you games and defence wins you titles. That assertion is true, considering that without a solid defence backed by a capable goalkeeper between the posts, it is practically impossible for any team to achieve its objectives.
Nowadays, football clubs are willing to make large investments to acquire the best goalies and more importantly, goalkeeping coaches. They don’t just help during the warm-ups, but they have a more active role within the coaching crew thanks to their abilities to understand the tactical and technical elements of organising the defence line. Unsurprisingly, all national teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup had a Goalkeeper coach among their staff.
The goalkeeping unit at Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies has been quite solid and heavily talented. Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini made a stunning return from injury last season to be named the best goalkeeper of the inaugural edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League. Just recently, Sedilame Boseja clinched the Botswana Player of the Season at the inaugural Hollywoodbets Super League awards. The duo of Asa Rabalao and Nthabiseng Matshaba have constantly proven more than capable whenever called upon. Rabalao was even nominated for the ‘Goalkeeper of the Season’ during the inaugural Hollywoodbets Super League Awards.
Much of this goalkeeping bliss both on and off the pitch has been referenced to the team’s goalkeeping department led by Coach Koketso Tshabalala.
“It has been such an experience working with the best team in the Hollywoodbets Super League. I must say it has been a privilege to work with these outstanding goalkeepers that have been in the game for some time. The lessons gained have been priceless and memorable. I have been able to share with them several aspects of my craft and the knowledge I have gained throughout my playing career. I am very excited to be part of such a talented department that possesses a great winning mentality,” said Coach Koketso.
Last season, Sundowns Ladies played 36 games during their treble-conquering campaign (Hollywoodbets Super League, COSAFA CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt). Across the trio of competitions, The Brazilians kept 21 clean sheets and conceded only 15 times. Despite those impressive numbers tallied last term, Coach Koketso is gunning for more in the upcoming one.
“It is our desire to strive for more success in the season which is just around the corner. We are aiming to record more wins and concede fewer goals. Every time I see these goalkeepers in training, I believe they are destined for greatness because they are unique, talented and exceptional,” concluded the goalkeeping gaffer.
Keep up the good work Coach Koketso!!!
