Win-win as Lads coach tails Banyana’s Ellis
City Lads coach Andile “Terry” Mrwerwe was given an opportunity of a lifetime by Sasol, together with Safa, to shadow Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis during the national team’s stay for the recent Cosafa Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth.
Mrwerwe, who coaches in the Sasol Women’s League, visited Banyana’s training sessions, where he tailed coach Ellis in a bid to learn how things are done during an international tournament.
The visits were arranged by Sasol and Safa, whose aim is to upskill Sasol League coaches with Ellis’s assistance.
The New Brighton coach said the information he had gathered at Banyana Banyana’s training sessions would be of great help in assisting him to make better plans for City Lads’ games.
Lads are second on the Sasol League log with 57 points from 20 matches, and trail Thunderbirds by a point.
“Technically, she was doing the old things that I knew, but I have learnt how to better man- age the team. The intensity levels are high.
“[Banyana] always play at a high intensity,” Mrwerwe said.
“Banyana concentrate on what they do as a team in preparing for their games.
“It is something we are doing now as a team, [concentrating] more on ourselves than our opponents.
“I have already applied the lessons I learnt from the Banyana training sessions to my team to try to uplift the club.”
Banyana coach Ellis said it had been a pleasure to have Mrwerwe aboard during team training.
“It is always great to pass on knowledge whenever I can. I know he will take these lessons and put them to great use.”
She thanked Sasol and Safa “for creating these opportunities, not only during Sasol League road shows when we scout talent around the country, but whenever possible”.
Mrwerwe was also honoured as a #Limitless hero.
This is part of the #Limitless initiative by Sasol and Safa, aimed at recognising individuals like the Lads coach for their continued efforts and contribution to women’s football.
“It has been a privilege observing the team train and learning from one of the best coaches in the country.
“We look to her for mentorship so that we, too, can mentor and help players in our communities,” Mrwerwe said.
“I really love what I do and I believe that coaching young girls helps groom future community leaders, and teaches them discipline.
“For me #Limitless means [overcoming] all odds.
“Women’s football may have its challenges but with everyone working together, we have seen changes and growth,” he said.
Initially a men’s football coach, Mrwerwe started coaching women in 2004 after being inspired by a coaching manual.
Although he has had his challenges, he has remained strong in his journey as a football coach.
Among the issues he faces is lack of resources and facilities. Not many people are willing to support women’s football.
“The lack of coaches has also left some players without mentors, which is [also] why I started coaching women,” Mrwerwe said.