Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies head coach Jerry Tshabalala is warning his players of a schedule overload and demanding that they be “mentally strong” to be able to handle it.
After sealing a stylish 7-0 win at the expense of Tsunami Queens on Wednesday afternoon, the Sundowns mentor was asked about his thoughts on his side’s upcoming games, with the team having four games in hand.
“Since we got back from the COSAFA qualifiers, the games have been coming thick and fast. We are playing games every midweek and on weekends to meet up with other teams.
“We must keep running through the brick walls to get the job done,” ‘Kappa’ told Sundowns’ media.
An overloaded football calendar endangers players’ health, and the problem will worsen as the CAF Women’s Champions League is fast approaching. But the Banyana Ba Style coach maintains that his side will “never shy away” from their responsibilities.
“Champions [Sundowns] never shy away from the challenge, and I am happy that we are taking the hurdles one step at a time. Although it’s challenging due to the injuries hitting the team,” he added.
Tshabalala rested some of his key players yesterday. He started with a refreshed attacking line-up that saw Thembelihle Masibi, Miche Minnies, and Boitumelo Rabale starting in a three-pronged attack.
The victory over Tsunami saw Sundowns leapfrog cross-town rivals the Tshwane University of Technology to a joint-top of the Hollywoodbets Super League table with 39 points. Goal differences separate the two teams.
Sundowns have scored a league-high 64 goals and have conceded a joint-league best of nine goals from 14 outings.
Reflecting on their big win over the relegation zone threatened side, ‘Kappa’ stated: “It was another great performance from the ladies because we showed our superiority on the ball from start to finish. We tried something new today with our attacking and defending options and reaped the dividends.
“It is always good to try out new ideas, and it’s even more exciting when those plans are perfected on the pitch. I am happy with our display today, and we are looking to improve on our performances in the next game.”
