Ezemvelo Women's FC head coach, Ntokozo Bhengu, cut a calm and reflective figure as she looked back on her team’s maiden Hollywoodbets Super League campaign. Coming from the football-rich community of uMlazi township, Bhengu has brought a grounded, honest approach to her coaching — and her assessment of the season is no different.
With one league match still to play, Ezemvelo sit on nine wins, seven draws and 13 defeats. For a first season in the top flight, Bhengu believes the team has handled the pressure and expectations well.
“I believe it was a fair season, especially as it's the first season,” she said. “We have experienced players who know that in football you will have three forms of results — a draw, a win, and a loss. We are able to deal with those setbacks.”
Despite the challenges, Ezemvelo managed to produce competitive performances throughout the season. Their nine victories and seven draws show that the team had moments where they matched or outplayed seasoned opponents.
But Bhengu admits that the 13 losses tell a story of areas that need serious attention.
“Yes, 13 losses showed that we were struggling in certain areas, like not having a natural striker and in the goalkeeping department where we were lacking,” she explained.
Creating chances was never Ezemvelo’s problem — converting them was. Without a traditional No. 9 leading the line or a fully stable presence in goal, the team often found themselves battling to finish games stronger.
One of the toughest results this season was the 4–0 loss to a clinical UWC side — a defeat Bhengu believes was influenced by disrupted rhythm.
“Yes, it was one of the heaviest defeats because we lost momentum after playing them in Cape Town. We missed a week without playing whereas they were playing other catch-up games midweek,” she said.
Despite the setback, Bhengu insists the squad has the mental toughness to bounce back quickly.
“We have experienced players who know that in football you will have three results. We are able to deal with those setbacks,” she said.
Their experience will be crucial ahead of the final match of the season — a fixture where Ezemvelo hopes to finish on a positive note.
Speaking ahead of their final league fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Bhengu said knows exactly what her side needs to do in their last outing.
“The final match — everyone knows what quality they have. If you prepare for them, you have to improve your defensive departments and try to work on the counter, as they possess great quality,” she noted.
She also expressed sympathy for Copperbelts, who recently absorbed pressure but couldn’t take a point off their opponents — a reminder of how tight margins can be at this level.
With lessons learned and a season of top-flight experience behind them, Ezemvelo is already planning ahead. “For next season, we need to find more balance, get the forwards, at least two goalkeepers, and natural wingers with more speed,” Bhengu said.
A stronger attacking force, better competition in the goalkeeping department, and more pace on the wings are the key additions Coach Ntokozo hopes will elevate Ezemvelo’s performances next year.
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