Andisiwe Mgcoyi’s Journey in Leadership and the Future of Women’s Football
Andisiwe Mgcoyi is beginning a new phase in her football career, aiming to make an impact from the sidelines. The former Banyana Banyana forward was appointed second assistant coach of UJ’s Sasol League team, following a distinguished playing career with the national team and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
“It’s a new chapter for me, and in every chapter, no pages should be skipped because a story needs to be written.”
UJ Women’s Football 2nd Asst. Coach, Andisiwe Mgcoyi
Mgcoyi is embracing the transition from player to coach, viewing it as an important part of her football journey.
“That’s exactly what I’m doing, taking things step by step while building the team and laying a strong foundation for what we want to achieve,” saysMgcoyi. “Being a former player has helped me a lot because I can share real experiences with the players, things I have done and lived through on the field.”
“At the same time, being a student of the game and completing my coaching licence has broadened my perspective. You cannot rely only on practical experience; theory is equally important. The combination of both has shaped me into a more complete coach.”
Mgcoyi has enjoyed much success on the domestic level, having won the CAF Women’s Championship in 2021 and 2023, as well as securing five consecutive league titles with Sundowns Ladies. Her success continued with the Tshwane outfit as a coach, with the ladies’ academy teams winning the Gauteng Women’s Development League, Engen Champ of Champs, and the Engen knockout Challenge in 2024.
Her triumph shows she is a clear leader within women’s soccer coaching, saying that being acknowledged as a leader is something she doesn’t take for granted.
“Everything in life has its moments. Having served in the game for so long, it is truly a blessing to be recognised for my contribution to women’s football. I am deeply grateful for that acknowledgment.”
When it comes to her leadership, Mgcoyi stated she is a coach who likes to inspire her players to perform to their true potential.
“I would describe myself as a transformational and situational leader. I enjoy motivating players and seeing them evolve not only in their performance but also in their character on and off the field. I read the game well and make necessary adjustments to turn situations around when needed.”
Her experience as a player has given her some great insight, and she explains how her knowledge has taught her some valuable lessons on leadership.
“A few core lessons I strongly believe in are: always listen, be willing to help, think things through, and stay open-minded. These principles guide how I lead both on and off the field.”
Mgcoyi observed that coaching young players has had an impact on her, as she now looks at her job in a more holistic way, as she has to accommodate her players in various ways.
“Coaching student athletes has opened my mind a lot. You have to structure sessions carefully to align with their academic commitments and ensure they balance their studies and sport. It requires flexibility, understanding, and being open-minded as a coach.”
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She says there are many female leaders in sport she thinks highly of and explained that her admiration for them is more than just what they accomplished but also for what their character is.
“There are many female leaders in sport that I deeply admire not only for what they have achieved, but for what they represent. I admire women in sport who break barriers in environments that were never designed for them to succeed.”
“Fight for equality not only for themselves, but for future generations. Transition from athletes to administrators and mentors, proving that leadership continues beyond the playing field. Stand firm under public scrutiny, showing resilience when facing criticism, controversy, or systemic challenges.”
She hopes her leadership as a coach can leave a lasting legacy not just on the players but also on the sport that has given her so much.
“I would love to see players I coach surpass my own achievements, not only playing locally but competing internationally and representing the national team. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a player you’ve guided reach greater heights.”
“I see myself growing further in the coaching space. One of my goals is to coach one of the junior National teams and, eventually, to coach abroad. Continuous growth and learning remain important to me,” she went on to say.
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The former national team player also notes how much the women’s game has grown in recent years and says improving standards bodes well for the future.
“The growth of women’s football has been remarkable over the past few years. New players are emerging and raising the standard across different levels. This shows the depth of talent across the country, talent that still needs to be nurtured and supported.”
Mgcoyi is of the opinion that professionalisation of the game is what will take women’s football to new heights.
“Professionalisation is the next step for women’s football to truly thrive; the league must be fully professionalised. Professional structures attract long-term sponsors. When companies see stability, visibility, and sustainability, they invest with confidence.”
“That investment directly impacts player welfare, performance standards, and the overall quality of competition,” says Mgcoyi. “When players are properly supported, the difference shows on and off the field.”
Main Photo Caption: Andisiwe Mgcoyi is beginning a new phase in her football career, aiming to make an impact from the sidelines. The former Banyana Banyana forward was appointed second assistant coach of UJ’s Sasol League team, following a distinguished playing career with the national team and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: “I admire women in sport who break barriers in environments that were never designed for them to succeed.” – Andisiwe Mgcoyi
Crédito: Link de origem