By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies coach Jerry Tshabalala is not focusing on the negatives from the team’s underwhelming performance at the US Women’s Cup last week.
The Brazilians first lost 3-0 to hosts Kansas City Current before suffering a 2-0 defeat by Japanese side INAC Kobe, finishing last in the four-team tournament.
This means the reigning African women’s champions returned home without finding the back of the net at the competition, where they became the first African team to participate.
However, Tshabalala is not dwelling on their loss but on the positive lessons from the games.
“I said before that we are in this tournament to learn, and we have learned different things,” he told the club’s media department.
“I believe that when we come back another time, we will return as a better team.
“You know, playing against Kansas City Current and INAC Kobe was a game-changer for us because it pushed us beyond our comfort zone and showed us where we needed to improve.
“Competing against teams of this calibre highlighted both our strengths and areas that needed fine-tuning.”
In the US, Sundowns were a shadow of the team that had won the CAF Women’s Champions League twice in the last three seasons.
They also did not carry themselves like a side that has swept domestic football with six Women’s Super League titles.
Masandawana’s exposure in the US is rare for African teams, which explains the coach’s optimism about the future.
“We are heading back home with a burning desire to have this kind of exposure more frequently to enable us to keep pace with the top teams globally,” Tshabalala added.
“Competing against high-calibre opponents is crucial for our growth, and it is the only way we can truly measure ourselves against the best.
“These experiences not only challenge us but also inspire us to elevate our game and continue improving.”
The biggest assignment for Banyana ba Style this year will be the bid to defend their Champions League title, and they used the Women’s Cup to prepare for that.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies preparing to take on INAC Kobe.
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
