UWC coach Thinasonke Mbuli reveals CAF award nomination shock

The Mpumalanga-born tactician says of all the things they dreamt of the nomination was not part of the plan.

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So tight was the competition that instead of the top three, four coaches were in contention for the big prize.

TP Mazembe coach Lamia Boumehdi was named the winner in the category.

Mbuli led UWC to dizzying heights in 2024 but still can’t believe she was a nominee.

''I was really shocked, I didn't see it coming. There's days where I was emotional. I was happy for the team, as coaches we can't be where we are without the players. There's many things we aim to achieve, and being nominated for the CAF Award was not one of them. I was shocked, but I am extremely happy,'' said Mbuli.

For being among the top four of the CAF Woman Coach of the Year award, Mbuli was invited to the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco recently – the first time she attended the event, and says it was an experience of a lifetime.

''Being at the Awards, yoh, amazing, you had to be there to understand. Imagine being surrounded by the best Africa, some of the best players, best coaches. This was the feeling I had after the Champions League, that this is the level every player and coach should aim for. It was a nice feeling to be at the CAF Awards, I wish everyone in football can experience it,'' added Mbuli.

2024 will go down as one of the best seasons for UWC.

They won both the Varsity Football and USSA games tournaments; claimed the regional CAF Women’s Champions League trophy; finished second in the Hollywoodbets Super League and made their debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Also, they consistently had players in Banyana Banyana.

Mbuli was also named Coach of the Year at UWC, defender Fikile Magama was crowned Sportswoman of the Year, and the team won the Club of the Year award at the same event.

To add to an already great year, UWC’s influential players, Noxolo Cesane and Bongeka Gamede moved to new clubs abroad – Saudi Arabia and Denmark respectively. Mbuli says this is part of their success story.

Currently enjoying the offseason, Mbuli and her technical teams are also working hard to beef up the squad for the 2025 season.

''Just like any other team. We need to beef up our squad. The aim is to get players who will help us achieve what we want to achieve as a team. Yes, we will definitely have new faces next season,'' she expressed.