Refilwe FC appoints Claudia Raposo its new Director of Football
Refilwe Girls Football Club (FC), has made a strong move to boost the club by appointing the highly experienced coach and former player, Claudia Raposo, to the role of the new Director of Football.
The club’s founder, Lebo Ramodike, commented: “It’s truly an honour to have Claudia join Refilwe Girls Football Club. Her coaching style and passion for the development of women’s football align perfectly with our commitment to balancing sports and academic excellence over the next four years.
“Claudia will not only mentor upcoming female coaches but also work with us to integrate academic success with football excellence. Her extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable in helping us grow and achieve our goal of having Refilwe girl represent South Africa’s national team in the near future.”
Raposo is a former professional player, who played for Luso Africa, Crouses Ladies, and JVW FC in the Sasol League. She holds a CAF C coaching licence and brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to her new position at Refilwe.
Raposo, who is also a Level Three referee, certified by the South African Football Association (Safa), will focus on developing and implementing a fresh playing style and tactical approach for Refilwe over the next four years.
Her previous coaching experience includes working at JVW FC, where she served as the Head Coach of the club’s u15 Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) team, and she also led the JVW Reserve Team. Her accomplishments with JVW include winning the Safa GWDL u15 Tournament and securing the Championship title in 2023. She also led the club to a runner-up finish in the u20 Engen Cup in 2022.
Raposo told SuperSport Schools Plus that she feels excited about her new role, adding that she cannot wait to start working with Refilwe FC.
Q: Claudia, welcome to Refilwe. How have you been feeling over the past few hours?
A: Thank you for the very warm welcome, I’m feeling overwhelmed with excitement. Can’t believe this day has finally arrived. The hard work starts now, but I’m excited to see what we can do together.
Q: Having spent several years with JVW, what prompted you to join Refilwe FC at this moment?
A: Siya, as you said I spent most of my coaching career at JVW. I just felt that it came to that point in a coach’s career that I had achieved all that I could at the club that I hold dearly to my heart, that gave me the platform to become the coach I am today, and, for that, I shall forever be grateful. Thank you, JVW FC!
“I choose to challenge myself and timing is a funny thing, Siya. Refliwe FC Boss, Lebo, heard that I had left and offered me a new challenge. I never thought that all my hard work, passion, and sacrifices were getting noticed but they were and he offered me the opportunity to grow women’s football and I’m always up for that challenge.”
Q: Your extensive experience in South African football and coaching is well recognised. How do you believe this experience will benefit Refilwe FC?
A: Well, seeing how much football has changed over the years, it thrills me to see such growth and I would like to be a part of that continuous change for a very long time. I forever will be a student of the game.
“It’s a new club and we share a vision. I am humbled and feel privileged for this opportunity to create a new breed of young female footballers. I am here to provide and promote a new belief in the game we all love, and to encourage these young footballers to make their way by creating a philosophy and methodology within the club, allowing them to use the knowledge they have gained, and expanding their skills, love, and thirst for the game, by ensuring that the level of our development performance is on track.
Q: Given your background in developing young talent at JVW, where you witnessed players advance to the first team, Refilwe currently boasts one of the youngest squads in the GWDL. Will you be looking to these young players to bolster the team, and did this factor into your decision to join Refilwe FC?
A: Of course, it excites me. It would excite anyone, seeing young players playing [others] two, nearly three years older than themselves, and giving it their all regardless of the score. You know, Siya, no matter what experience you bring as a coach, we, as coaches, can never teach you that willingness to never give up or fight, and that, for me, is something very special. In my eyes, regardless of your age, if you give me your everything, you will always earn your spot in the team.
Q: Lebo [Ramodike] has mentioned your coaching style. Could you elaborate on your approach to coaching for those who may not be familiar with it, and how it will aid Refilwe in nurturing young players?
A: I guess my coaching style comes a lot from how I played and understood the game myself. I allow the players to fall in love with the game by playing and enjoying the ball as much as possible – ball mastering, setting individual and team goals, and achieving them together.
Q: At this stage in your career, having achieved so much, some may question whether you are taking a step back. How would you respond to such comments?
A: Well Siya, I don’t see it as a step back. I see it as a personal growth opportunity. And I’m up for the challenge.
Q: The GWDL is becoming increasingly competitive, and women’s football in Gauteng is on the rise. How eager are you to contribute to Refilwe FC and ensure that it competes at the same level as teams like JVW, Remember Elite Sport Academy, Tuks, and Mamelodi Sundowns, among others?
A: I’m just excited to be back in the football scene. Our competitiveness will get there and the Refilwe name will be among the greats, but all in due time.
Q: In closing, what are your thoughts on working with Lebo and his team, including the young girls? What message would you like to convey to the parents and supporters of Refilwe FC?
A: Working with Lebo and the team has been a humbling experience. [It’s] a great atmosphere, and such a thirst for greatness. Exciting times lie ahead, I tell you.
“My message to my new family at Refliwe FC, is you will get the very best from me. I’m passionate and, at the end of all this, it’s not about me but about our future stars.
“Thank you for welcoming me to your family. We will be doing great things together,” Raposo concluded.
- u17 Cosafa tournaments to be hosted in Johannesburg - 2024-12-02
- Zambia crowned Cosafa u20 women’s champs, SA the runner-up - 2024-11-25
- Nobahle Mdelwa drives South Africa back to winning ways - 2024-11-22
