Youngsters continue to flourish under Coaches Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Rhoda Mulaudzi

Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Rhoda Mulaudzi have not only played a crucial role in the growth of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team on the pitch, but they have also gained recognition as exceptional leaders in developing the youngsters.

A few months ago, both women led the club’s Under-16 girls (Bidvest McCarthy VW Constantia) to victory in the inaugural edition of the Volkswagen (VW) Vaya Cup soccer tournament at the University of Witwatersrand. This achievement was a testament to their coaching prowess, which has seen a meteoric rise in recent times.

Thanks to Mgcoyi and Mulaudzi’s exceptional ability to identify and nurture talent, several highly skilled youngsters have emerged and are tipped for success both at Mamelodi Sundowns and beyond. Teenage sensations like Lumka Qhekeka, Sphesihle Magazi, Munashe Mugwara, and Katlego Malebane have had promising careers that have flourished under the leadership of Andisiwe and Rhoda.

Over the weekend, the club’s Under-16 girls put up a gallant fight but suffered a 4-1 defeat against the Lesotho women’s national team. This international match provided the young players with valuable experience, exposing them to a different style of play and a higher level of competition. Despite the loss, this result serves as a testament to the team’s growth and maturity, demonstrating their ability to compete at a higher level and inspiring them to work even harder toward future success.

Lumka Qhekeka expressed her delight in the valuable opportunities and knowledge that the club has provided her.

“The game against Lesotho was an invaluable learning experience that highlighted areas where we need to improve. Although we suffered a loss, we gained useful insights into the importance of teamwork. Personally, playing with the U-16 team has been tremendous for me, as I get to learn from both the young and experienced players. Coaches Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Rhoda Mulaudzi have been instrumental in training us to become better professionals and have instilled in us the value of playing for the team. They have played a significant role in my development, and I believe that other young players would say the same,” Mugwara stated.

Sphesihle Magazi, who missed the friendly due to preparations for her matric exams, also spoke about how the U-16 set-up has improved her mentality towards the game.

“Playing with the U-16 team has been a great experience for me, as it has not only developed my confidence but also taught me important values such as sportsmanship and respect for teammates and opponents. The coaches have played a major role in making me appreciate the game and have shown me how education and sports can complement each other. Being part of the youth development system at Mamelodi Sundowns makes me very happy, as I know I am part of a club that values player growth and development,” said Sphesihle.

The recent success of Lumka Qhekeka and Sphesihle Magazi has earned them starting opportunities in the first team, with Munashe Mugwara and Katlego Malebane also training with the senior team due to their exceptional performances at the VW Vaya Cup.

The development of Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Rhoda Mulaudzi as coaches underscores the club’s commitment to promoting leadership in women’s soccer, exemplifying their dedication to supporting and empowering women in the sport.

Consequently, the emergence of talented players like Lumka Qhekeka, Sphesihle Magazi, Munashe Mugwara, and Katlego Malebane provides just a glimpse of the depth of young talent within the club, highlighting their potential for future success and growth.