TUT Matsatsatsa Coach to work on players mentality after defeat

Thato Mofolo opened the scoring for UJ with Tshogofatso Motlogelwa and captain Sibongile Ntoane putting TUT in the lead just before half-time, however, a goal from Refilwe Maesko early in the first half, followed by Thubelihle Shamase’s goal three minutes later, put UJ back in the lead.

Mofolo then sealed a win for the Orange Army just before the full-time whistle.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Kutumela says her players struggled to make a comeback after UJ’s third goal.

"After conceding Shamase's goal, my players dropped their heads instead of pushing forward. Most of our players are not mentally strong, so I think that is something we have to look into.

"They were used to winning, but now that we have lost, they've already dropped their heads," said Kutumela. 

READ: Fran Hilton-Smith: 2026 FIFA WCC will attract funding to the women’s game

TUT moved from second position to number 5 on the Hollywoodbets Super League table after this defeat.

Kutumela says she has noticed that her players put themselves under a lot of pressure because of the goals they set at the beginning of the season.

Before joining TUT, Kutumela was working with an organisation called Altus Sport, which focuses on using sports as a vehicle to empower children in underserved communities.

She says this has helped her become a holistic coach who is also able to introduce life skill programs to her players.

"Bringing in life skills will benefit us a lot, and I've always wanted to be a holistic coach who not only develops skills, but enhances emotional intelligence, and strengthens mentality."