At the end of 2018, after being informed he wasn’t included in the university’s playing plans, footballer Kamvelihle Mdayi took the alternative route of coaching.

Undeterred by the unexpected twist, the environmental management graduate embraced this role and quickly turned his setback into a stepping stone to success.

Starting with a triumphant run, leading his residential team New Market Junction to victory in the internal summer league cups, Mdayi joined the university’s coaching squad of Ntsika Baninzi, Bokang Molaoa and Sikho Mbotho, making a mark with the CPUT Men’s Football team, at the 2022 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Games, where they finished in ninth place.

A year later, Mdayi was thrilled to assist CPUT’s Women’s Football team, working alongside head coach Sibongiseni Khamlana, sports scientist Mxolisi Gumede, and team manager, Sesethu Thwetwa.

Combining his USSA experience with Khamlana’s expertise from playing for Banyana Banyana and her role in the Engen Knockout Champs of Champs journey with Cape Town Roses, the team crafted a detailed plan for the play-offs leading up to the Varsity Cup at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

“With the games in Cape Town, we created a detailed plan, ensured thorough player preparation, and followed training principles and development advice from a sports scientist. We felt confident about our chances,” said Mdayi.

The technical team expanded with the addition of Simamkele Sobuza, fitness coach Mandaba Priscila Koti, goalkeeper coach Sikho Mboto, kit manager Boitumelo Moreki, and technical analyst, Bokang Molaoa.

Under the collective leadership of Mdayi and Khamlana, the team navigated a challenging group stage, securing six points and making it to the 2024 Varsity Cup at TUT.

On Friday, July 26, CPUT suffered a 1-0 loss to Central University of Technology (CUT), followed by a 4-0 defeat to University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Saturday, and a 2-0 loss to last year’s champions and local rivals, University of the Western Cape (UWC), on Sunday. They finished fourth in group B.

In the seventh and eighth place play-off on Sunday, CPUT narrowly lost 2-1 to Wits. Led by the skilled Zinhle Hlela, the team celebrated Thandiswa Gwenteshe’s Player of the Match award for her exceptional defensive performance. Adding to the memorable day, Sinothando Lirula scored CPUT’s first-ever women’s goal in the Varsity Cup.

As they prepare to return to a local northern suburbs league fixture this Saturday, coach Mdayi views this experience as just the start of their journey onto the national stage.

“This was our first-ever Varsity Cup appearance, and the joy was immense. My journey from coaching a residential team to leading the university in a major tournament is just beginning,” said Mdayi.

CPUT Women’s First Team head coach and sports science graduate, Kamvelihle Mdayi, at the CPUT Bellville campus last week ahead of a northern suburbs local football association league fixture. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

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