Mabena: We Need More Teams In The Champions League

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola

Coach Unathi Mabena taking JVW Football For Girls players, Gabriela Salgado and Robyn Moodaly, through their paces. (Photo Cred: JVW Website) 

Former defender and assistant coach Unathi Mabena bids adieu to JVW Football For Girls as she takes a break from the game and enjoys her time off. Mabena, who is lovingly referred to as "Nutty" in football circles, made the decision to put football on hold.

ShakingInk.tv caught up with Mabena to discuss her decision to leave out of football, South Africa having two teams in the Women's CAF Champions League, working with coach Mitch Stevens, and the adjustment from playing football to sitting on the bench.

Mabena highlights how challenging it is to balance coaching football with a nine-to-five job. Despite the advancements in women's football throughout the years, coaches and players still need to find other sources of income. While acknowledging the advancements, Mabena insists that much more work has to be done to advance women's sports."I'm now enjoying the vacation and time off because juggling work and coaching throughout the season is so hectic." Mabena told this publication.

At JVW Football For Girls, Mabena says she learned a lot from coach Mitch Stevens and enjoyed working with him. Coach 'Nutty' commends Stevens for his diligence and desire to help his club. "Every coach I work with teaches me something new, and Coach Mitch has taught me a lot too. He has extensive expertise and put in a lot of effort to make the team better. He made sure that every element of the game was improved by paying close attention to every little detail. He contributed a unique dynamic and learned some insightful lessons from him." Said Mabena.

The former Blue Diamonds defender claims that since coaching was her goal before going into her final season, the switch from playing to coaching was simple. Mabena desired to take on the role of mentor she had never had. She had firsthand knowledge of the importance of having a mentor because she was a football player herself. "It's been going well. While still playing, I began coaching. I had made the mental decision that this would be my final season of playing, so I was ready when I put up my boots. My passion for coaching stems from my desire to be 'the coach I never had.' I just love coaching."

Mabena reminisced about her time when female athletes had few or no football teams to play for, as the Bedfordview squad promoted graduates from the grassroots level to the first team. She claims that if they were interested in football, the majority of girls her age had to play on a boys' team. Since then, a lot has changed, according to Mabena. Mabena smiles as she says, 'There are development structures that cater to young girls.' 

"When I started playing, there weren't many girls playing, and there weren't any female teams, so things have changed a lot. On a team comprising boys, you would be the sole girl or perhaps one of two. These days, ladies can participate in leagues and even contests. Even girls as young as five or six years old can be served by academies like JvW. Therefore, even if a lot has changed, much more remains to be done." Continued Mabena.

Late last year, in Morocco, two Hollywoodbets Super League teams participated in the Women's CAF Champions League event. At the continental showcase, Mamelodi Sundowns and the University of the Western Cape represented South Africa. According to Mabena, having more teams regularly compete in competitions of that caliber will help stabilize Banyana Banyana. Banyana will undoubtedly benefit from it, but it must also be consistent. Players must be competing at higher levels in order for Banyana to compete against the best teams in the world." Mabena Wrapped.

@Lamola_Herold