The Coach speaks

KGOLOKO Thobejane – coach of the PSL’s new kids on the block, Baroka FC – has introduced himself to professional football as a man who speaks his mind, and in so doing has won as many admirers as he has put off critics. “I don’t have any coaching papers, I have never attended any courses, but I understand football. I am not even planning to attend these coaching courses because I already understand the practicality of football more than theory. Why should I go to a coaching school when I am a football school myself? Football is a calling for me. Those that want coaching courses are the ones that must come to me. All that I need are players to coach,”Thobejane tells KICK OFF. He had coached at amateur level in the Capricorn District at clubs such as Morning Stars, Merafe United and Hot Pirates, the same level where he had also played as a central defender and holding midfielder. Born on 21 November, 1969 in Lebowakgomo, Thobejane is related to club boss Khurishi Mphahlele, is a Manchester United fan, and is inspired by Pep Guardiola since his time at Barcelona. “When you talk about my coaching philosophy then it is about defensive possession. For me football starts at the back, because the purpose is to get the opponent to come to you and by so doing they will open up spaces that we can take advantage of once we start moving forward,” he explains. “However, I am someone who still knows how to motivate and keep the players encouraged through every challenge that they face on the field.” Thobejane is also a father of six, with one of his teenagers already having taken an interest in the game. Baroka report back for pre-season training on 27 June, a moment he is looking forward to. “I just want to take the challenge on in the same way that I took on the First Division challenge, where I was an unknown. It is normal that there will still be those who doubt me, but I say ‘bring on this PSL challenge’.”