Shipanga leads by example

Ex-women’s national teams’ head coach Jacqui Shipanga on Wednesday called on sport leaders, especially in football, to embrace change and allow for new blood to take the game forward.

In calling time on her coaching career to concentrate on administration, Shipanga said fighting to remain in positions was counter-productive as it hindered the flow of new ideas, and she urged others to follow her example.

Her call comes amidst domestic football’s darkest period characterised by months of inactivity for both men and women owing to a lack of sponsors, who have shied away from the game due to continued infighting and perceived maladministration.

Shipanga, a former star player, has coached the Brave Gladiators and junior sides since 2007, and feels the time was right to move on and embrace her women’s football general manager role.

“Change is a good thing, we should not fear it, but embrace it. If you’re brave enough to say ‘goodbye’, life will reward you with a new ‘hello’,” she said while fighting back tears during a heart-warming press conference at the NFA women’s centre.

One-time Brave Warriors coach Brian Isaacs will take over the senior team, with Mervin Mbakera in charge of the under-20s and Brian van Staden entrusted with the under-17s.

“I resign today not because I am pushed, nor forced, nor neglected, but because I am woman enough, I am leader enough to know when it is time to pass on the baton,” said Shipanga.

“Sometimes, there are things in life that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes, change may not be what we want, but sometimes, change is exactly what we need.”

Shipanga is arguably the most influential female sports personality in the country, having persistently advocated for women to receive the same opportunities as their male compatriots since getting involved in football 22 years ago.

She is highly regarded and decorated by Fifa, who continue to make use of her drive and expertise, and has vowed to see the women’s game prosper.

“It’s time to take women’s football to the next level, and make it more competitive and more inclusive,” said Shipanga, who has been instrumental in getting several women’s football initiatives off the ground, with the most notable being the Unicef-backed Galz and Goals project for schools through which most of the country’s talent is harnessed.

NFA women’s desk chairperson Jackie Gertze said: “A person with her qualifications cannot be moving up and down the touchline; she needs to be working on developing the game in a different capacity rather than that of being a coach.”

Brave Gladiators vice captain Stacey Naris added that Shipanga’s continued sacrifices to advance women’s lives through football will not be in vain.

“You serve as an example of selflessness and passion,” Naris said in her tribute, which left Shipanga in tears.

While she may not have won any trophies during her time as coach, Shipanga helped to positively shape many footballers’ lives off the field.

“Thank you for showing us how to be model citizens, members of the community and a teammate. The values and principles taught day in and day out have shown us how to be an an effective and meaningful member of our communities, and working alongside others in all aspects of life,” said Naris.