Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a significant achievement following the appointment of its Department of Intensive Care secretary and SMU women’s football team coach, Dorah Thorisa Mashigo, as Head Coach of Team SA Women’s Football for the upcoming Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games.
The tournament will take place in Gaborone, Botswana, from 28 June to 6 July 2026 and will be hosted by the Botswana Tertiary Student Sport Association (BOTESSA). The regional competition will bring together tertiary student-athletes from across Southern Africa.
Affectionately known as Coach Dee, Mashigo’s appointment marks a proud moment for both the university and South African university sport. It reflects SMU’s commitment to developing excellence in leadership, sport and student development. Her selection to lead the national women’s university football team highlights the growing influence of SMU in nurturing talented professionals who excel both on and off the field.
For Mashigo, the appointment was met with a mixture of excitement and responsibility. “At first, I felt scared because coaching a national team is very different from coaching a club or university team. You work with players from different backgrounds, and expectations are much higher,” she said. “At the same time, I felt very honoured and grateful to be trusted with this role. It is a big step in my coaching journey, and I do not take it lightly.”
Born and raised in Ga-Rankuwa, Mashigo’s football journey began on the dusty fields of her community. What started as a childhood passion evolved into a lifelong commitment to the sport. She recalls beginning not as a coach, but as a young football enthusiast determined to pursue her dreams despite limited resources. “I didn’t start as a coach. I started as a young girl with a dream, worn-out boots and a deep love for football,” she reflected.
Football became a powerful teacher, instilling discipline, resilience, teamwork and perseverance. Her coaching career began while she was playing for Juventus FC, where she assisted with training sessions under Coach Fana Makhudu. Those early experiences ignited a passion for coaching that would ultimately shape her future.
Over the years, Mashigo has built an impressive coaching portfolio. She guided the SMU men’s staff football team to success at the South African University Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games, obtained both CAF D and CAF C Coaching Licences, and led Titans FC Women’s Team to promotion to the SAFA Tshwane Women’s Regional League. She currently serves as Head Coach of the SMU Ladies Football Team while also fulfilling administrative responsibilities within the university.
Reflecting on her journey, Mashigo credited SMU for supporting her development as both a coach and a leader. “My experience at SMU has played a significant role in my growth as a coach and leader. Working with student-athletes from diverse backgrounds has strengthened my leadership, communication and athlete development skills,” she said.
As she prepares for the CUCSA Games, Mashigo remains focused on building a united and competitive team capable of representing South Africa with distinction. “I hope this appointment not only contributes to my own growth but also inspires other women who aspire to pursue leadership roles within football,” she said.
Her appointment embodies SMU’s values of excellence, leadership and empowerment. As Team SA prepares for Botswana, the university proudly celebrates one of its own whose journey demonstrates how talent, perseverance and opportunity can produce leaders capable of making an impact on the international stage.
By Rose Moreki
