Sibanda takes charge of Bokkies

Zimbabwean national Thuba Sibanda has been appointed as the head coach of Unam Bokkies on a year contract.

Her first order of business is to lift the club from the bottom half of the log in the Skorpion Zinc Women's Super League.

She has also been instructed to raise the status of the club to that of a professional outfit, which is able to contend against the giants of the women's game, effectively heralding a return to the glory days.

This, Sibanda said, is not an impossible task if everyone plays their part.

“Bokkies have to live up to the Unam brand, which is well-known in different sporting circles, especially male football, basketball, rugby, netball and hockey.

“I took over the club in the second leg and have to see the season off, and then of course finish in a good position, in order to build on that foundation in the new season,” explained Sibanda.

Currently the club sits in the bottom half of the Women's Super League log with six points, and the aim is to finish in the top half by the end of the season.

“The long-term target is to hopefully build the development arm of the club and see how to additionally attract the players we need to the club. Hopefully this will lead us to one day winning the Super League,” Sibanda added.

Her contract is a paid one, which is a milestone for a female coach in the country.

“This is an incredible honour. The focus was never on money, but rather the opportunity to work in a club of this nature. We have never seen this in football, where clubs advertise for a coaching position and despite high-quality applicants, appoints a woman.

“This not only shows their interest in diversity and inclusivity, but it shows that they have the interest of women footballers at heart.

“Unam is a pioneer in this regard and I hope more institutions and clubs can follow their example,” the new head coach said.

Sibanda explained the club is loaded with potential, and the biggest and key ingredient in winning and getting better will be the mindset of players.

“I told the team that I will work with whoever I have, and if they bring their part, we will all grow together and take the team to another level.

“It's my job as coach to plan training sessions that develop their physical skill and build their talent.

“The true role of a leader is to harness their strengths and to help them overcome their weaknesses. These players also have the potential to be Brave Gladiators' players one day, and I will help them reach their goals pertaining to football.”

Sibanda also touched on the limited investment in women's football at club level.

“We received the first boost from Skorpion Zinc when they stepped in as sponsors last year. But we need corporate Namibia to back the women's game by investing in clubs and coaches working in the game as volunteers.

“We need more competitions on a regional level to ensure quality in the national team, and we also need to attract more women to take up leadership roles at various levels, so that we can be able to continue professionalising the game.

“It's incredible to see that we have qualified Fifa referees and now we need the same for administrators and medical staff.

“We should see how to additionally strengthen and support the present structure to reach more women and to see players getting paid for playing football, so that it becomes a career and not just a social activity,” Sibanda emphasised.



Fresh start

Unam Bokkies captain Hilma Shapumba said Sibanda's appointment gives the club a fresh start.

“Everyone is eager to impress her which will bring out the best in all of us. Her leadership is not like most other coaches. She doesn't bark orders and I feel that her approach will work for us as a team. She is knowledgeable about football and understands the game,” Shapumba said.

“The rest of the team is happy and we have strong belief that things will get better for us under her.”

Sibanda is a qualified Fifa Master (international master in the management, law and humanities of sport). She has a BSc honours degree in sports science and coaching, a Fifa women coaching certificate, an NFA C-licence and Fifa grassroots instructors' certificate.

Sibanda has always been passionate about sport and strives to make a difference in the lives of many youngsters.

She has spent her time in Namibia working with the Physically Active Youth programme and afterschool centre. She has also been active with the Namibia Football Association (NFA) in terms of the development of the women's national team and assisting with administrative structures.

Sibanda will be assisted in her duties by Salome Guises and Gerson Kuzatjike.

The technical director is McBride Kake, the team manager is Alina Karlos, while Sarah Haman is the kit manager and the team medic is Trefina Itengula.

LIMBA MUPETAMI