‘My coaching days are done’
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Fani Madida (left) doesn’t think he will go back into coaching because he is enjoying his new role at Transnet.
Madida works for the rail company’s foundation which focus on rural and farm schools’ sports development in areas which are on the route where the rail line moves – it aims to establish a school of excellence in each province to nurture talent.
“I think I find more pleasure in working with people who are more open-minded, people who are able to listen with the aim of improving their game, and I find it a lot in the school environment, working with kids and showing them how to be involved in sports, how they can be a success in each of the four sporting codes,” said Madida.
Madida credits education for a comfortable life after retiring, having taken advantage of the Stix Morewa Education Trust to study teaching at the Soweto College of Education, where he got his diploma in teaching, later studying sports management at RAU. He says reading and acquiring information is key in establishing a life after football – the 51-year-old says there are many opportunities when one is still in the limelight.
“While you are still active in your career, there are so many doors that open for you, so exploit it. School helps you broaden your horizons and understand other things,” said Madida.
“One other thing that comes with playing the game is the power to talk to people that others are unable to. You need to use your influence to help other players who are young and talented to get into a team and ... I am happy to be an unsung hero,” added Madida.
The Newcastle-born former star holds the record for the highest number of goals scored in one season – this achievement is bittersweet for him because it alludes to a drop in dedication and discipline towards goalscoring.
The former Durban Stars coach says he would rather divide the high salaries earned by footballers among labourers in South Africa who show more commitment to their jobs than some footballers.
However, Madida also says administrators are to blame for dampening the spirit of players by promising them big financial rewards they can’t deliver on, stating teams are living beyond their means.
“Scoring goals used to be a pleasure, whether at training or in the game for us, some players want to entertain themselves and think about the team second, strikers should complain and demand the ball, you won’t get it if you don’t demand and be at the right place at the right time.
“You have to be a sniper and a sniffer to position yourself, scoring is a collective effort, as a striker you are not a soloist you need to play for the team not yourself, and be selfish around the 18-yard area, keep your energy to finish the moves the team are creating, not be busy running but not doing anything.
“Goal-scoring is a team effort, not an individual task.”