Former Banyana Banyana player Maud Khumalo knew from the age of 13 that she wanted to be in football.
The pursuit of her dream saw her running out in the colours of Soshanguve Ladies (her hometown) as well as Hallelujah Zebra Force, which led to her national team call-up.
By that time firmly entrenched in the game, she went on to win the 2000 COSFA Cup and also featured in the then African Women’s Championship (now known as the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – WAFCON).
When her playing days came to an end, she continued serving the game as a coach and started out with a boys team in 2014 and won titles as an assistant.
Her talent did not go unnoticed as she was then was appointed assistant coach at Banyana Banyana. Khumalo was put in charge of the U20 Women’s National Team (Basetsana) while also doubling up as an assistant to the coach at the U17 Women’s National Team.
Four years after her first coaching stint, she was handed the reigns at the Tuks Ladies Sasol League team.
She led Tuks to their first trophy, the 2022 Gauteng Sasol League title – which also served as qualification for the Sasol League National Championships, where nine provinces battled it out for the elusive two spots for promotion into the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Victory over Lindelani in the last four of the National Champs in Polokwane in December last year set up a mouth-watering final against eventual champions Copperbelt Ladies. Tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time, a penalty shootout was used to determine the winner, with Copperbelt Ladies claiming a 4-2 victory.
Despite the loss, the Tshwane outfit had already qualified for the elite women’s league, becoming the third PSL side to have a women’s team, after Mamelodi Sundowns and Royal AM.
The number has since increased to four following TS Galaxy’s acquisition of the Vasco da Gama status.
Amatuks now begin life in top flight of women’s football – their opening fixture is a repeat of the 2022 Sasol League National Champs play-offs against fellow newcomers Copperbelt Ladies on Sunday, 5 February 2023 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Centrecircle.online spoke to Khumalo about the season ahead and more
Happy new year and congratulations on your Hollywoodbets Super League promotion. How does it feel?
You know it’s funny, I can’t explain how I feel but am so happy for the players. I know how much they needed this opportunity to be part of the big league honestly.
It’s been over a month now since you achieved that, has it sunk in?
Not really probably after our first game on the 5th of February against Copperbelt Ladies.
And what does this achievement mean to you personally, especially when you think of your journey?
Personally it means a lot and says a lot about my character as a coach as well a person. It was never an easy journey, has so many challenges that tested my character. I am happy to have gone through that journey. In short, I trust the process.
How did if feel like losing the final in the Sasol League National Champs?
Winning would have been a cherry on top, but I realize that we won the most important game – the semis against Lindelani, hence I was not worried much about losing the final, it though would have be a great feeling to win it.
When you look back at last season in the Sasol League, what do you think won it for you to get to the Play-Offs?
Our character as a team won it for us to get to the Play – Offs. It was long season for us – before going to the Play-Offs, we played Varsity Cup and two days after we left for Polokwane. So yes it’s our character.
And are you bringing that up in the elite women’s league – or it’s two different challenges and two different campaigns?
What works for you don’t change it, but you improve it! For sure some of things we will have to do them differently.
There are four University teams in the league – Tuks, UWC, UJ, TUT – and also three “PSL” teams – Sundowns Ladies, Royal AM (formerly Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies) and newcomers TS Galaxy Queens: how does this help the women’s league, if at all?
University teams have always been the power houses, because most, if not some, of the national players are coming from that set up and this helps the league to be exciting and competitive. Hope it will attract more sponsors to support women teams.
You have a relatively young team, what are your realistic aims for the season ahead?
My realistic aim for this season is to stay in the league and maintain the status so the team can get more exposure and experience.
You have obviously been following the Hollywoodbets Super League, what, for you, needs to be done to stay in the hunt for the title?
That is tough one or should I say tricky question, every game is different so the approach becomes different too. Our plan is to compete first, then the hunt for the title will follow. You can’t be naïve , there are quality players and quality teams this year, so we will give it our best.
Who do you think will be your biggest obstacles?
All the teams in the league are obstacles.
How has pre-season training been going and based on what you see, what still gives you confidence for 2023?
Pre-season has been going well. Remember, after our Play – Offs we rested for two weeks then went to play the USSA tournament in December (Editor: Tuks Ladies lost 1-0 in the final in Secunda thanks to a S’phumelele Shamase goal that helped UJ lift their third USSA Football title). We played lots of games which where challenging mentally and physically. For us to go through that, it builds confidence to face another challenge of which is the Hollywood Bets league .
In terms of playing personnel, have you made any changes – new additions? Released any players? And reasons behind the move.
Yes, we have made a few changes. We are also focusing more on the students to play for us, so it a bit a challenge but manageable. In short we look at accommodating students first then non students. We have released a few player so we can create space for new ones.
What message can you give to fellow newcomers in the Hollywoodbets Super League?
Lol, all three of us are newcomers, so nothing much to say besides to mention that this league is a different ball game.
By Matlhomola Morake
