UJ Ladies coach Nthabeleng Modiko predicts tough 2025 season

The Brazilians won their record fifth league title in a row in 2024, albeit on the penultimate day of the season, as compared to other seasons when they did so with a few games to spare. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Modiko says, based on what transpired in a tight race to the championship last year, it appears likely to be a bumpy ride for all teams this year.

"It's going to be tough – you saw how close it was at some point in the 2024 season, you had a UJ that was all of a sudden there, you had a Sundowns that was somewhat [struggling], and UWC also started slowly and drawing with your Copperbelts," said Modiko.

"All those things improves the standard of the league, and the standard of the team, so I don't think it's going to be easy [in 2025] – everybody now is ready, we are studying, we have tactics and stats that we align ourselves too.

"And there's also the coaches' reading of their opponents, what is that you can do to take advantage of your opponents, is better now, and the quality as well – we've seen a lot of coaches getting their qualifications, which also helps.

"So I don't think [the league race] is going to be easy at all – Mamelodi Sundowns might win it again, I think, [because] they've got experience and they are retaining their squad and adding younger, fresher players that can sustain them for the season.

"UWC might challenge, and maybe go on as far as winning it, we never know. We just have to take it one step at a time, but in terms of it being easy – I don't think so, it's going to be very tough this season."

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