For this week’s IG Live, gsport writer Lonwabo Nkohla was joined by former Banyana Banyana player Nthabeleng Modiko. Coach Dunga, as she is affectionately known, is doing wonders as coach and has grown immensely in the position.
Modiko is currently attending workshops to level up her knowledge, “I’m in Namibia trying to further myself. The coaching world needs you top improve and equip yourself to be able to compete.”
The coach quoted Nelson Mandela: “The more you learn, the less aggressive and arrogant you become.” Those that don’ have the knowledge seem to make the wrong decisions. I just want to be ready for whatever that may come my way and learn while I still have a chance.
UJ Ladies finished 5th last season but have had a fantastic start to the season, 31 points behind Sundowns but this season there are promising signs.
“It’s been a great start to the season. I always have to credit my girls, they bear the stars at this thing.” – Former Banyana Banyana player, “Coach Durga” Nthabeleng Modiko
“They are always hard at work, always eager to push themselves. This year is going to be better than the previous one.”
Modiko has the ardous task of ensuring that the girls in her team are able to juggle school and playing football at the highest level. She says she always tells her girls to always view themselves as multi-talented and dimensional people. “Women are the only species that can multi-task and I teach them to use that to their advantage. I don’t take kindly to academics failing and sport failing and I always remind them. “
“Within the team we try to huddle up with each other and always have conversations even about things outside of sport. I always ask them, “How can I help you?” She adds that her players have taught her patience and love.
The support for women’s sport has grown in South Africa and Coach Dunga credits the media for telling the stories and making sure that women are give “air time”, “The are so many lovely, success stories that we now get to hear about that we were not able to in the past. When a player goes overseas we never had the privilege of keeping up with how they are doing abroad but that you to the media coverage we know more.”
The Hollywoodbets Super League has had a massive impact in local football and the coach echoes those sentiments. “The Super League is the hottest and most competitive women’s league in the country and abroad. People are saying they would love to come and play in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Thank you to them and to SASOL.”
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE IGLIVE CONVERSATION
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