Doc’s memory bank: That really warmed my heart

I remember bumping into him recently in Highlands North, where the team is training. They were having a meal after training, which was around 18h00, and I was there for aworkshop with local coaches from rural areas. As soon as I noticed him, I just walked up to his table to greet him and the respect he showed me was out of this world. He stopped eating, stood up and greeted me before we embraced each other. That man gave me all the attention in the world and that really warmed my heart because I had not seen this man in a long time. You know, I even apologised for keeping him away from his food for so long because it didn’t feel good, but the man had no problem at all. He had a lot of good things to say about me, as if that meeting was planned, while I was also giving him his flowers while he could still smell them. When I got home, I still couldn’t get over what had happened on that dinner table. I felt so emotional, thinking about the things this man had to say about me and the fact that I finally had an opportunity to tell him exactly how I feel about him as ahuman being and the impact he has had in our football. It was an unforgettable moment, and I was really humbled and touched by his words. I always believe that nothing happens without a reason. When I walked into that building, I had no ideathat Allan and his team were still there, so everything happened so randomly. Imagine disturbing someone having dinner with his colleagues just because you wanted to show him love by greeting him, only for that interaction to take more than 20 minutes? This man had no problem with any of that and I really want to appreciate and show love to this gentleman. Despite being underrated, coach Allan continues to focus on what he can control, which is his coaching abilities and influence on the Beautiful Game. You hardly hear anything said about him when people discuss our coaches. When it comes to development, you will find this man driving around in search of young talent and he nurtures it so well. Whether he is afirst team coach, Allan never loses sight of the importance of development. Remember the Highlands Park team that had the likes of Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile, Lindokuhle Mbathaand others, coach Allan was there and look at what some of his players have gone to achieve in their careers. Look at their longevity in the game and it shows the solid foundation that was laid by coaches like Allan. I must give credit to this man while he is still around, so that he knows he is being appreciated. Not even once have I experienced this man in anegative way. He’s always about positivity, even when he gets frustrated on the touchline, he remains calm and professional. We really need coaches like Allan in our football. You know, one of the special things about this gentleman is that he doesn’t get enticed easily. He’s committed and loyal to those who appreciate him. He is also happy to polish unknown diamonds and allow them to go to greener pastures when they get opportunities, with little to nothing said about his hard work in preparing them. Without people like Allan, alot of our big teams would struggle to survive because they would not have many options for top quality players. Not all the coaches have done what this man has done but the most important thing is how he has never changed. He always works with what he has at his disposal, without any new recruits or a blank cheque book. What you are doing for South African football doesn’t go unnoticed, coach Allan. I salute you, coach and brother! Keep up the good work. I know I have a special place in your heart just like you do in mine.