Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a major sporting achievement after SMU Ladies Football Head Coach, Dorah Thorisa Mashigo, guided Team SA Women’s Football to a gold medal at the 2026 Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in Gaborone, Botswana.
South Africa claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Zambia in the final at the Lekidi Sports Complex, capping an impressive tournament campaign and reaffirming the country’s strength in university women’s football. The triumph marks another milestone in Mashigo’s coaching career and further enhances SMU’s reputation for developing leaders who excel beyond the university’s borders.
The women’s football competition featured six teams divided into two groups. Stream A consisted of hosts Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, while Stream B featured South Africa, Zambia and Malawi.
Team SA began their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 12–1 victory over Malawi before playing to a goalless draw against Zambia in their second group match. The results saw South Africa progress to the semi-finals, where they produced another commanding performance to defeat Botswana 3–0 and book their place in the gold medal match. In the final, Team SA faced Zambia once again and delivered an outstanding performance to secure a 2–1 victory and claim the CUCSA title.
Appointed as head coach only weeks before the tournament, Mashigo successfully united a squad comprising some of South Africa’s top university footballers and steered them to regional glory. The achievement highlights not only the quality of the players but also the discipline, professionalism and leadership that have become synonymous with her coaching philosophy.
Reflecting on the victory, Mashigo paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the team’s success.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God, the players, the technical team, and everyone who supported Team SA. Winning in Botswana was a proud moment for all of us. This victory is a testament to the hard work, discipline and commitment that the team displayed from the beginning of the tournament until the final whistle. We represented South Africa with pride, and bringing the trophy home is something we will always cherish.”
The road to the championship was far from straightforward. Team SA faced formidable opponents throughout the competition and had to adapt to unfamiliar conditions while maintaining focus under pressure. According to Mashigo, those challenges ultimately strengthened the squad and fostered an even greater sense of unity.
“The journey was not without challenges. We faced strong opposition, had to adapt to varying playing conditions, and endured moments of pressure when we had to remain mentally strong. However, every challenge became an opportunity for us to grow, and the players responded with courage and determination.”
Mashigo believes teamwork was the defining factor behind the team’s success, crediting every player, member of the technical team and support staff for embracing their responsibilities and working towards a shared goal.
“Teamwork was the foundation of our success. Every player, every member of the technical team, and every support staff member understood their role. We trusted one another, communicated well, and worked towards one common goal. Football is never about one individual; it is about the collective effort, and this victory belongs to everyone who contributed.”
The final against Zambia proved to be Team SA’s toughest assignment of the tournament, demanding resilience, tactical discipline and unwavering belief.
“The toughest game was the final against Zambia, where we were truly tested both physically and mentally. Our opponents pushed us to our limits, but our resilience, tactical discipline and belief in one another helped us overcome the challenge.”
Looking ahead, Mashigo sees the gold medal as the beginning of a new chapter for women’s football in South Africa.
“This victory is only the beginning. We want to continue building on this success, develop more talented players and ensure that Team SA remains competitive on the international stage. We hope this achievement inspires young athletes across South Africa to believe in themselves, work hard and pursue excellence.”
The achievement is a proud moment for the entire SMU community and reflects the university’s commitment to excellence, leadership and student development. By producing coaches and athletes who continue to excel on regional and international platforms, SMU is strengthening its reputation as a university that transforms lives through education, sport and innovation.
By Rose Moreki
