Maud Khumalo excited to introduce young players as part of TUKS rebuild

This follows the AmaTuks Women’s launch for the upcoming campaign in Tshwane on Tuesday.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Khumalo says the inclusion of new talent is aimed at creating healthy competition within the squad, while also laying a strong foundation for the future.

"The ambition is for us to compete and to attract more sponsors for the team. I think the girls are ready for this season.

"It's not going to be an easy season because of the changes in personnel, but the girls are positive and we are excited with regards to the changes. We are looking forward to seeing them compete in the league because at the end of the day it's all about the healthy competition and producing players for the national team."

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Khumalo adds that the technical team has struck the right balance between student and non-student players, ensuring stability within the squad throughout the season. She notes that this approach provides necessary cover, particularly during academic periods when student-athletes are focused on exams.

"When we first qualified for the Hollywoodbets Super League, the majority of the team were students, but we had some challenges when players had to write exams and we were busy losing points in the league.

"So now we came up with a plan to have more younger girls, especially targeting the grade 11 and 12 pupils, knowing that after a season or so they will come into the system so that when our students have exams, we still have personnel in the team to take their place. This is something I was researching and trying to find a solution on at other universities."

Khumalo also expressed satisfaction with the club’s ongoing relationship with Mamelodi Sundowns, highlighting the loan signings of Thato Letsoso and Khunjulwa Mali from Chloorkop as a boost to the squad.