Academy mourns death of coach
New Year’s Cup defending champions New Brighton Football Academy are still trying to come to terms with the death of their coach, Anele Dayimani, who played a significant role in the team’s success.
Dayimani died in hospital after a short illness on June 2 at the age of 39.
New Brighton Football Academy chair Zolani Matiwane said the club was saddened by the loss.
“At the moment we are lost because Academy is ran by myself, the manager and him,” Matiwana said.
“It was just the three of us running the club so he has left big shoes to be filled because we don’t know who is going to coach the premier team.
“We also have a ladies football and netball team that we just started this year and he was part of that.”
Matiwane said the club had lost a valuable member and could not put into words the pain of losing their coach.
“This sad news also comes at a time where the club is still healing and coming to terms with the loss of one of our players who died last year.
“So now losing the coach brings back all those sad memories and pain.”
Milano, as he was fondly known in football circles, started his career playing for PE United’s development structures in 1998 where he played until reaching the senior team.
The talented midfielder and journeyman has also played for Moonlight City, Leeds United and PE Sundowns.
His coaching career kicked off at PE Sundowns while coaching the under 17 team during the Engen Tournament.
He also coached Moonlight, PE United and Sophakama FC.
Dayimani joined Academy in December 2018 while the club was busy preparing for the New Year’s Cup Tournament, which takes place annually in Makhanda.
“Unfortunately, we were knocked out in the quarterfinals that year.
“In 2019, we were unbeaten in 30 matches and won the New Brighton Football Association Premier League and we also won the SAB League playoffs.
“We are now playing in the SAB Regional League.
“We are runners-up of the 2019 Mayoral Cup and the biggest achievement that he achieved with the team is the winning the New Year’s Cup.
“We achieved all of this because of Anele,” Matiwane said.
Safa Nelson Mandela Bay president Simphiwe Mkhangelwa said: “During the New Year’s Cup I noticed that, as young as he was, Dayimani was truly passionate about coaching and had great potential.
“It’s not just New Brighton Football Academy and Nabfa who have lost a gem but the metro at large.”
Dayimani’s funeral service will be held on Friday at his home in 640 Ndaba Street Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth.
The service will start from 8am.