Coaches need emotional intelligence

It is disheartening how football matches often deteriorate because of the coaches failure to get their emotions in check. I concede that coaches are emotional beings and that the beautiful game is results oriented.

However, I feel that more can be done to preserve values such as discipline, respect and sportsmanship in our game. The coaches heated exchanges on the touchline have become a common and disturbing feature on supporters and players alike during games.

Roger de Sa received a four-match ban while on duty for Egypt at Afcon 2022 and Rhulani Mokwena was recently red-carded for his outbursts during a CAF encounter against Al Ahly.

Who can forget AmaZulu’s Benni McCarthy and SuperSport United’s Kaitano Tembo and their altercation during their teams’ DStv Premiership game? One may argue that the coaches’ actions are precipitated by referees’ sub-standard officiating, but is it the only factor at play or have coaches become too ‘personal’ for their own good?

In the end, we want a game that promotes friendship and inclusivity without compromising the element of competitiveness. Coaches need to be patient with one another for the good of the game.