The women’s game in Africa is fast closing the gap - Simphiwe Dludlu
Former South African women’s national team captain and current assistant coach to Desiree Ellis, Simphiwe “Shorty” Dludlu believes the gap between African football and the rest of the world is fast closing.
The former captain, who is also head coach of the SA U-17 Girls national team says Africa is producing more players that are dominating the world stage and that it is only a matter of time before Africa really stamps its authority in world football.
Dludlu was speaking to CAFOnline from the sidelines of a year-long coaching course she is attending in the USA that involves coaches from different sporting codes aiming to sharpen their coaching acumen.
She shares her thoughts on coaching, football and where African women’s footabll is headed in the near future.
Congratulations on your upcoming trip to the US, what exactly will the course entail and are there any other African coaches joining you there?
We are attending a year-long Coaching Enrichment Program that entails various topics in sport like Physiology; Biomechanics; long-term athlete development, Coaching Education; Sport Psychology and we get to do an apprenticeship at a designated Club or University for a week out of the 3 weeks in the US.
I have 4 other Coaches from Africa ( Namibia -Equestrian ; Kenya and Zambia -Taekwondo ;Rwanda - Swimming)
How important is it for African coaches to empower themselves with such courses?
It is important for any Coach in Sport to empower themselves with practical knowledge so that we can improve and grow the sport in our countries.
Your journey in African football is well documented, both as a player and coach, how would you describe the growth of the game over the last few years?
African football is closing the gap, with great players populating all over the world. We have shown our strength by moving past rounds of 16 in the Last World Cup (3 out of 4 countries) all of us won a game and scored goals. It shows we are getting there with the rankings as well. If we keep doing things the right way and invest in women's football at youth levels as well, we will move even further.
Your were part of the historic feat of the SA national team at the WC, describe that feeling for us?
It was a dream come true for me, as I had never gone to a Senior World Cup as a player. To see a group of players work hard and believe in each other to push boundaries was incredible. Moment of a life time to make such history with this calibre of team.
The women’s game is on an upward rise on the continent with competitions becoming more competitive, what else would you like to see happening in growing the women’s game?
More attention given to youth teams in terms of tournaments and workshops for Coaching education. It would also do us good to have more professional leagues like Morocco. Where players and coaches make a good living from football. Lastly it would help bridge the gap between youth and senior team players.
Personally, where would you like to see your coaching journey going?
I would like to gain momentum into positions where I can make positive impact as a decision maker to influence programs that will add value to women's football. I see myself Coaching in spaces where I can fully Call Coaching a Career because my salary reflects that too. I would love to Coach overseas (it can still be in Africa) where there's rapid growth and opportunities for Women coaches so that I can continue adding value to the growth of women's football.
Message of advice to young aspiring female coaches on the African continent?
The road is never easy but keep aspiring for greatness. Keep seeking opportunities of growth, volunteer when you can but always empower yourself to be liberated about how and where you want to work. Make sure to have allies and good mentors around you. Ask questions, seek advice and never settle for less.