In the heart of African football, there’s a name synonymous with the empowerment of women's football on the African continent and that is Simphiwe Dludlu, a former national team player turned coach, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, as the head coach of the U-17 South Africa Women's National Team, Coach “Shorty”, as she is often called by her peers, stands as a beacon of hope and progress as she is blazing a trail towards a future where African women footballers shine brighter than ever before.
Recently, the Coach embarked on a transformative journey with the US Olympic Committee and the University of Delaware, undertaking the prestigious International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme. "I attended the course having chosen the Topic LONG-TERM Athlete Development in Women's football because I have been a footballer myself and over the years I have seen success in my development process as a player for club and National team up to being a national team Coach. I also made research and findings that our South African National teams are not producing successful results consistently in the biggest international competitions.”
“Our Senior team is also ageing and we need to keep the momentum. African teams compete in international tournaments but we are unable to reach the semi finals of these competitions or even win them. Most of the challenges are that we lack proper structures that sustain development; nurture and expose quality talent consistently.”
“Attending the Course exposed me to more solutions and structures that I can take that are applicable to us in AFRICA and bring back to finetune what we already have. Believe me, AFRICA is rich but we lack the important aspects that can help us close the huge gap created by leading countries in terms of women's football.”
During her travels and training, the former National team player keenly observed the landscape of women's football in Africa. She noted the challenges that often hindered progress – from inadequate infrastructure and limited resources to societal attitudes towards women in sports. “A lot of our Coaches at Grassroot level are not fully qualified to coach the right way from grassroot all the way to the top.” Said the Coach.
She added; “This also stems from the fact that most Coaches are part-time; they do not get paid and if they do, it is not sustainable. A lot of coaches and administrators in women's football need support to be fully committed to the GREAT work they are already doing. All of this needs well funded programs that will fast-track these processes' consistency.”
When asked about the challenges and opportunities facing women's football in Africa, Dludlu's passion ignited. With unwavering determination, she spoke of the need for investment in grassroots development, the importance of providing equal opportunities for female athletes, and the power of representation in leadership roles within sports organisations.
“The state of women's football in Africa is improving though it needs to be rapid, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World cup proved that African teams are capable. We just need to have a clear vision supported by the availability of resources, access to those resources and proper funding starting from the grassroot all the way. Most of our players that are in competitive leagues around the world are showcasing incredible talent consistently.”
“We have [Tabitha and Temwa] the Chawinga sisters from Malawi in two continents creating history, the Zambian and World Record signee in [Racheal] Kudananji lighting up the American league and our South African Front TRIO [Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia] rocking in Mexico. We are at a unique position as AFRICA to continuously produce the best players of this world from youth to senior levels.”
“Gender equality is still a very important point that should be on every agenda in decision making tables and forums. Government and sport ministries must continue to bring consistent positive change. Youth teams must be well taken care of and given equal support to flourish. Availability of Funds and resources and most importantly access must be clear and transparent. Well run amateur and professional leagues, constant competitions at youth level will be key for the progress of Women's football in AFRICA.”
But Dludlu is not content with merely identifying challenges – she is a woman of action. Armed with knowledge, experience, and a burning desire for change, she outlined her initiatives and objectives to further the advancement of the sport. “My ambition is to impact women's football positively in continuing the great work and foundation that is laid over the years by everyone involved in women's football.”
“I want to be the change I want to see and add more value to existing structures. Create more awareness and educate more Stakeholders (coaches, managers, officials, administrators) in women's football programs about the importance of LTAD in the perspective of Women's Football.”
Dludlu stands at the forefront of a revolution with an unwavering determination and boundless optimism, she is leading the charge towards a future where African women footballers take centre stage and where dreams know no bounds. Her commitment to shaping the future of African women's football is reflected by her achievements in various honours:
“I have qualifications and experience that help back me up with my ambitions i.e. UEFA B licence, CAF A Licence, Sport Scientist, Junior SAFA Instructor, ICECP certificate etc. I have already started with my project and conducted four workshops about LTAD. I will be delivering this project in more depth in the next coming months and with Funding and collaborations, I want to reach all nine provinces and overtime move to the COSAFA region and eventually form relationships with the rest of AFRICA.”
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