Wits coach Nthabeleng ‘Dunga’ Modiko can’t wait to reunite with her former Banyana coach Anna Monate and teammate Simphiwe Dludlu at the Varsity Football women’s tournament.
Wits will make their eagerly-awaited debut at the tournament in a Group A match against DUT at the Tuks B Field on 29 September.
TUT and Tuks are also in the group, with Dludlu’s TUT the favourites to win the title for the seventh time in a row. Monate’s UJ are in Group B.
‘Our preparations have gone well,’ says Modiko, who holds a Caf C licence. ‘We are counting the days to kick-off. The girls are excited to play in their first Varsity Football tournament. It’s a milestone to qualify for this tournament and be among the top eight universities in the country.’
Modiko started working at Wits in 2017 and has a relatively new team as many players have graduated. Her mandate is to make the team competitive in Varsity Football and help the players to enjoy themselves on the big stage.
Modiko says her team is not scared of anyone but admits she is a bit worried about playing TUT.
‘Coach Dludlu is a friend of mine and we talk a lot over the phone. She is more experienced in terms of coaching than me …’
Modiko hopes to make both Dludlu and Monate proud at the tournament, with Wits aiming to play attacking football.
‘I’m looking forward to the reunion with my coach, Anna. She has achieved a lot in coaching, and I will learn a lot from her. Simphiwe is also up there [as a coach] and I am excited to see them at the tournament.’
PLAYER TO WATCH
Lesego Nkoane – aka Beast – bosses the midfield, scores goals and tracks back to help in defence. She is a team player and a marvel to watch.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Wits won the bronze medal at the 2019 USSA Football National Club Championships and were named Team of the Tournament.
- Shakeerah Jacobs and Lesego Nkoane played for the SA U20 team, while Nthabiseng Ramaisa represented SA U17.
- Eswatini’s Minenhle Khulu is a former international footballer.
- Coach Dunga participated in five World Student Games.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: Smiling Assassins
Province: Gauteng
Appearances: None (tournament debut)
2021 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Nthabiseng Emily Ramaisa, Vuyiswa Hope Saba
Defenders: Ayanda Ncube, Hazel Ngwenya, Zinise Norris, Magogodi Litlhakanyane, Minenhle Khulu, Eneto Ngwala, Erin Herz
Midfielders: Ayanda Mnyembane, Lesego Nkoane, Shakeerah Jacobs (captain), Abe Thwala, Zanele Ngwenya, Noluthando Sikhakhane, Sanele Mkhize
Strikers: Lydia Malose, Sakhiwo Mnomiy
TECHNICAL TEAM
Head coach: Nthabeleng ‘Dunga’ Modiko
Assistant coach: Puleng ‘Bashin’ Mbatha
Goalkeeper coach: Mfanafuthi Vilakazi
Strength and conditioning coach: Yunata Adams
Compliance officer: Thabelo Mammburu
Team manager: Nolwazi Mathebula
2021 Varsity Football women’s fixtures
By Charles Baloyi
