Coaches I’ve worked with: Most of our readers will be surprised…
This week, let me tell you about one of the most underrated coaches we have in our country, Allan Freese. This is one of the former professional footballers who transitioned into coaching and made a significant contribution to the Beautiful Game long after his playing career. I was so privileged to get to know this gentleman as his brother, Howard, was my teammate at Kaizer Chiefs. These are two very humble brothers who have given so much to our football. When I happened to start spending more time with Allan, it was after our retirement as we started doing coaching courses together. We went all the way to do the SAFA Pro Licence together and I got to know this guy much better over the years. Not many people know that Allan can speak Zulu fluently! I’m sure most of our readers will be surprised to learn that today. Allan is an interesting character, and it is a pity that our paths never really crossed on the field of play that much. Being in the same industry meant we would meet up every now and then. I got to know and understand this man better through the coaching courses and he proved to be just as wonderful as his brother, Howard, was. What a gentleman! A knowledgeable individual and someone who, together with his brother, kept the Freese name in the game and represented them with nothing but pride. Even though the two brothers differ in character, like even twins do, they have a lot in common. Allan has got a funny side to him and enjoys cracking a joke from time to time. His journey and the reason I decided to talk about him is because of this man’s contribution to our football, both as a footballer and a coach. He’s coached a number of teams at different levels, and we have so many players who have come through his coaching over the years. Allan’s passion and loyalty have always been with Highlands Park! No matter where he goes, he somehow always finds his way back home. I’m sure most of our readers and football supporters identify him with Highlands Park more than any other team in the country. This just goes to show that there is a special bond between him, Chairman Larry Brookstone and everyone at The Lions of the North. When I see Allan and his Chairman, it is clear to notice that theirs is more than just a Coachand-Chairman relationship goes far beyond that. I saw Highlands Park in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 when they held Sekhukhune
United to a 1-1 draw and lost 5-4 on penalties. They were still coached by Allan, and it was good to see that he continues to play such an exciting brand of football because that’s what we all know him for. The man loves the game of football and he’s not one of those people who are chasing the limelight. He just goes about his business quietly and you only see the fruit of his labour talking for him. He remains humble and focused on the job at hand. I’m happy that he is always happy and feels appreciated at Highlands, otherwise he wouldn’t keep coming back to the club. That’s what every coach needs.