Coaching against the odds: Challenges impacting the progress of female football coaches in South Africa

Despite the global growth of women's football, female coaches remain underrepresented, particularly in leadership and elite coaching roles. In South Africa, historical inequalities, entrenched gender norms, and organisational barriers continue to shape coaching pathways. This study examined the challenges impacting the progression of women football coaches in South Africa, using LaVoi and Dutove's (2012) ecological model for women coaches to focus on intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, and socio-cultural influences on coaching experiences and career advancement. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from women football coaches (n = 135) across South Africa using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered demographic information and explored perceptions of coaching competence, organisational support, discrimination, access to opportunities, and professional development. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and identify key patterns. The findings indicate that most participants reported confidence in their coaching competence and ability to motivate athletes. However, significant challenges were identified, including limited access to mentorship, inadequate organisational support, restricted professional development opportunities, and experiences of gender-based discrimination. These constraints were perceived to hinder career progression despite individual capability and commitment. The study concludes that the protracted advancement of women football coaches in South Africa is influenced less by individual competence and more by persistent structural, cultural, and organisational barriers. Addressing these challenges requires targeted organisational reforms, inclusive policies, and sustainable mentorship and support structures to promote equity in football coaching.