Sundowns Ladies forward strikes gold with young ones

The tall and menacing forward says she has fallen in love with shouting instructions on the sidelines, something that was far from her mind when she started playing football. Currently running out for the first team in the Hollywoodbets Super League, Mgcoyi is also the head coach of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies U16 squad in the SAFA Regional League alongside fellow teammates Rhoda Mulaudzi and Zanele Nhlapho, while Andile Dlamini is the goalkeeper coach.

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 “I have fallen in love with coaching, when I retire I am ready to be a coach - honestly I don't see myself changing my mind. I just need to  be more educated and learn from more experienced coaches,'' said Mgcoyi.

Mgcoyi was speaking to the public broadcaster following her side’s impressive run in the Engen Knockout Challenge where she not only lifted the winners’ trophy but was also named the Coach of the Tournament. Sundowns Ladies finished the competition unbeaten.

''I am very excited, I don't even know what to say. I didn't think we would get to where we are with my players. First of all we didn't get time to prepare thoroughly and the fact that they were playing against teams that play in the Sasol League, and some of the teams had players from the Hollywoodbets Super League. I always have faith in these kids. It is good that we won - we will be playing in the playoffs in September for a status in the Sasol League,'' added Mgcoyi.

This is the second coaching trophy for Mgcoyi, who has played abroad in Slovakia, Hungary, Germany and Albania. The first title she won was in the VW Vaya Cup which saw them travel abroad as part of their winning prize.

''The first trophy I won with these girls was last year when we participated in the VW tournament, we won and went to Portugal where they had some exposure and training,'' concluded Mgcoyi.

The former Banyana forward is thrilled with her young charges, saying they are like therapy to her when she is feeling down.

Known to her peers as Gudluza, the 36-year-old Mgcoyi is a big fan of Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola and models her game around the master tactician.