Ex-Sundowns coach Tshabalala turns Sporting Club Casablanca corner

After a slow start to life in the Morocco’s D1 Women’s Championship, former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ team coach Jerry Tshabalala has started to deliver the goods for Sporting Club Casablanca.

The CAF Champions League-winning mentor had seen his reign starting with an away 3-0 loss to FUS Rabat earlier this month.

However, Casablanca bounced back to register back-to-back 2-0 and 2-1 victories over Ittihad Tanger last weekend and Hilal Temara on Friday respectively.

Jerry Tshabalala’s message to Sporting Club Casablanca

Tshabalala has since taken advantage of the improved performances to call for patience. He says he is rebuilding the squad for the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League finalists.

“We must not despair. We are building a new team. We have a lot of new players coming in. We also have a new coach and the players need to adapt to the playing philosophy, so it will take time. With time, we will get it right,” he told the club’s media.

The South African signed new players such as Nihad Lgachi, Sara Dofry Malak Kilani and Yassmine Sioui, He also hired his deputy Oumaima Ossahely.

Tshabalala secured the job in Morocco last month after his acrimonious departure from the Hollywood Bets Super League defending champions mid-December 2024.

After months on the sidelines amid allegations over improper conduct with players at his previous employer, Tshabalala returned to coaching on July 20. Tshabalala cited Casablanca FC’s ambition as one of the reasons he accepted the post.

The 45-year-old made a name with Sundowns Ladies after leading them to two CAF Women’s Champions League titles.

Domestically, the coach won seven Hollywood Super League titles during his reign, which did not end particularly well. He was placed on leave to pave the way for investigations of alleged improper conduct at Sundowns last year.

The outcome of the investigations was never made public and he eventually parted ways with the club. Tshabalala has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Rulani Mokwena who had a stint with Wydad Athletic Club.