Maude Khumalo has become one of the most recognised coaches in women’s football in South Africa, and this doesn’t come as a surprise. Her determination and energy have seen her rise up the ranks to become a leader in the game, and her ethos is one of the reasons she has succeeded.
Khumalo was recently in charge of the Banyana Banyana team that reached the finals of the COSAFA Women’s Championship in Gqeberha. She is no stranger to coaching age-group national teams, having also been at the helm with the U20 South African women. Her experience with the younger generation has made her a great leader to the rising stars of the game.
She hopes that as a leader, she is able to allow her players to be authentically themselves. Khumalo says it’s also important to remember that she isn’t just coaching the future national team players but also people who will play an important role as citizens of South Africa.
“What I want to impart to the players is that they mustn’t change who they are. They must believe in themselves. We must also remember that we not just building players, we are building future citizens so that they can be able to stand on their own.”
Top-Flight South African Football Coach, Maude Khumalo
“I’m just giving them the confidence that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, you know. That is what I’m preaching to the players that I am coaching is that football is more like life. You need to understand what you want and then be sure about it so that that’s something that I’m preaching through football.”
She shared what traits good leaders in women’s football should have. According to Khumalo one of the important aspects of being a good coach is leading your team with understanding and foresight.
“You need to be genuine. You need to be content with who you are and what you believe in. You don’t have to compromise your principles. You don’t have to explain to people who you are, we will do the talking. I normally tell people that, my being in football is a calling, coaching is a way of helping a lot of people.”
“Some players have been going through a lot and some of them want to break free through football and achieve better things,” says coach Khumalo. “For me, I don’t take it as just coaching, you need to come up as a mother figure and aunt.
“Players need to be comfortable around you and also you need to be comfortable about being yourself. For me, leading people is more like being humble and always being honest and realistic. Like being open to people when things are not working for you. Yes, you need to be honest with the player, but make it clear to see the bigger picture.”
Khumalo’s approach to leadership is a rather holistic one where she wants to create an environment where her players are able to be open and honest in a bid to help them grow in their careers.
“I am not an authoritarian leader, I am a person who listens to other people’s opinion. I have limits, but I give people space. I give people room, but I don’t tolerate when somebody gives me a bad attitude. I don’t tolerate lying, and not being honest. When I find that my energy and your energy don’t connect, I just cut the line. I don’t force things.”
The former player has been entrusted with coaching the next generation of Banyana Banyana players, as well as footballers who are just starting their professional careers. Her advice to the youngsters who are looking to become leaders in their teams one day, is to make sure that they are ready to help those around them.
“You need them to see you as a person that they can run to, like a safe space, and also be accommodative as well,” says coach Khumalo. “You should give good advice and know that being a good leader is not about you, it’s all about us. I feel you sacrifice a lot to see other people succeed. I am so happy when I can help someone else.”
While Khumalo can be seen as a role model for many women in football she says her mom is someone she has looked up to for many years, and has given her the grit and determination to succeed.
“My biggest role model out of coaching is my mom, because we come from a difficult background, but we stood up, held firm, and kept going for the family even though she was a single mum. She is my role model when it comes to my personal life.”
Khumaso goes on to say that, during her playing days, female role models were far and few between, but Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis is someone she has admired over the years.
“When it comes to football, I look up to a lot of people and how they conduct themselves and how they help other people. In football, I looked to the likes of Lucas Radebe, because back then we didn’t have (female) role models. Coach Des is also someone I look up to, as I have played alongside her, and I am inspired by what she has achieved. She showed that it is possible, if you put your mind to it!”
Coach Khumalo had this advice to young girls and women who are looking to make football a career and encouraged them to not forget about education:
“I can just tell them that they must just take education and football at the same level. Focus on both, and put your energy into it. Football is not a fashion, it’s passion and talent. Be disciplined in all that you do. Learn to keep your circle small, to achieve what you want to achieve.”
Main Photo caption: Banyana Banyana assistant coach Maude Khumalo’s determination and energy have seen her rise up the ranks to become a leader in the game, and her ethos is one of the reasons she has succeeded. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 caption: Coach Khumalo has become one of the most recognised coaches in women’s football in South Africa, and this doesn’t come as a surprise. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 caption: Khumalo has worked her way through the SAFA coaching structures, recently coaching the COSAFA Champs Banyana Banyana team. Photo: Supplied
Photo 4 caption: Coach Khumalo says her biggest role model is her mom, a single parent who persevered despite hardship to give her daughter the best. Photo: Supplied
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