9th September 2024
The two sides have shown great character in the current campaign, with First Touch securing a spot in the top eight so far and Richmond losing a single game in their last five outings.
Speaking to SABC Sport Monate says she gives credit to both coaches for improving their style of leadership.
"First Touch is the team I am looking at as well as Richmond, they've got character, team work, unity, they cover one another, they support one another. Even Woman of the Match awards are awarded to their teams most of the time when they play a live game. I don't think it's a fluke, I think the coaches are empowering themselves very well," Monate said.
Monate further applauded the Limpopo side for the outstanding performance on Sunday, defeating the University of Johannesburg FC 4-1 in Soweto.
"First Touch had a game plan, they planned that when they play against UJ, they will play low blocks and counterattacks and it worked so beautifully. I don't know what's happening in the UJ camp but it's not the same team that started the league. If they can go back, I think they will start getting the results again,” she added.
With only less than 10 games left before the 2024 campaign wraps up, the 56-year-old mentor shared some advice to coaches regarding good conduct and to help their teams finish strong this season.
"To run a women's team, you need to have very good leadership qualities, understand, be at their level. Make sure that you become a parent, you become a psychologist, a coach and everything at hand. Once you lose sight, you misbehave and all the stuff."