TUT Ladies coach says they have to make drastic changes to return to glory days

Currently about 90 percent of their players are students, but Kutumela says to make an impact in the Hollywoodbets Super League, they have to revise the percentages to a 50-50 balance with non-students.

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In years gone by, the Red Army was one of the most feared teams in the league, finishing second on two occasions – 2019/20 and 2021 seasons. They dropped to third the following year before ending a disappointing 10th last season. Hilda Magaia, Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Busisiwe Ndimeni and Nothando Vilakazi, among others, have donned the Red Army jersey.

 “Yes, it's true that TUT was one team that was feared in the previous years and yes they did well. TUT had quality players, some are playing overseas and some of them we see in the national team and in the Hollywoodbets Super League.

But we have come to a stage where the team has to rebuild again, so I believe in order to repeat history and to be on top of the log, we have to have a large squad, have 50% students and 50% none-students,'' said Kutumela.

Speaking after an impressive 1-all draw against neighbours and defending league champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies this past weekend, Kutumela says she is proud of what the players pulled off against a formidable opponent. The result comes at the back of seven defeats on the trot.

 ''We are very proud of our players and how they fought on the field of play, and having to draw with Mamelodi Sundowns serves as a great motivation for the team. We look forward to the upcoming game,'' added Kutumela.

 Kutumela is confident that come end of the season, TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies will be in a better position than the 10th they achieved in 2023, adding that they will be a formidable team in the second round of the league. They are currently 9th on the table after 14 games.

 TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies travel to the Eastern Cape for a date with 14th placed City Lads Ladies in Gqeberha. Last season the two sides cancelled each other out, with a win each, and Kutumela anticipates another tough day at the office.