PSL clubs on track about local coaches
I WAS going through a list of PSL clubs trying to figure out which club is coached by who.
I was pleasantly surprised that out of 16 clubs, nine are coached by former players who played professionally in Mzansi.
There was a time when local coaches were a dying breed in local football. I’m happy to note that Pitso Mosimane, Gavin Hunt, Dan Malesela, Eric Tinkler, Clinton Larsen, Allan Freese, Serame Letsoaka, Roger de Sa and Steve Komphela are all our former players.
I know we are quick to blame our clubs for not utilising former players but the current picture paints a rosy one. It goes to show that there’s a future for our ex-players provided they have right attitude and qualifications. I’m aware there are other former players screaming for opportunities but some of them have no history of coaching anywhere. Then the issue of education rears its head again because for any coach to progress, he needs to arm himself with coaching badges. Those coaching courses are done in English and one has to write something down. They also need to be involved in discussions with their peers elsewhere. They need to share ideas, discuss tactics and the latest trends in football. I know Baroka FC coach Kgoloko Thobejane has rubbished the need for coaching qualifications. It will take a turn in fortunes for him to be exposed as a tactically bankrupt coach, and then he’ll see the need for coaching badges. Jomo Sono also insinuated in the past that coaching badges were overrated. I am sure he’s regretting those statements now that his club Jomo Cosmos is yo-yoing between the PSL and the First Division. I hope PSL clubs continue to show faith in our former players. Richardson Mzaidume Pimville