Kempton Park FC’s pre-season training sessions start

Soccer players dusted off the off-season rust at Kempton Park FC’s Castle League preseason training.

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The training is about four weeks in the season and the head coach, Eddie Dista, said they have only started intensifying the training in the past two training sessions.

“We haven’t been training full-time as the fixtures are not out. We do not want to drain the players during the preseason,” said Dista.

The previous season was good for the team as they finished second after losing in the playoffs.

Dista said he wanted to continue raising the bar in the new season.

“I expect the same amount of work we put into training to be put in the games. If we do that I don’t see why the club can’t be aiming for a second like the previous season,” said Dista.

The side’s captain, Zukile Bahlekazi, said although the goal is to produce great results, they don’t want to put a lot of pressure on players.

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“We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure. We achieved so much – went to the playoffs in the previous season and we want to achieve greater,” said Bahlekazi.

“The players show great commitment and I am impressed with how quickly they have adjusted, so we are off to a good start.

“The aim is to get a top spot. We will fight for every point, for whatever is on the table and get as high as we possibly can.

“The players are motivated, as they know where the previous team finished off last season. We are working hard and you can see the hunger and that they all want to be a part of the team.”

Although the side has players already in training, Dista said more players are welcome to come for trials and assessments.
“New players are welcome to come for assessment. They may join our training sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays from 18:30,”he said.

I always say during trials, when you come to play at Kempton Park FC, don’t come and play for me. There is a club, a badge and a structure to play for, so just play to win.

The coach and captain both agreed that they fully support the players and are grateful for the support they also receive from the club’s management.

“We want to thank coach Themba and coach Prince who coached the U17 and U19 teams respectively, as they have been pillars to where we want to be,” said Dista.

“We would like to have the Kempton Park community support us more, especially during our home games.

“It would be nice for the community to be more involved, be it through sponsoring, helping or watching.

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“We need a good following for our side as the league is the fourth tier of South African football.

“It is a tough league, but we have the structure, facilities and good management that supports us. We need support as sometimes players get under a lot of pressure.

“Supporters also help us focus and keep our eyes set on the goal, it pushes you as a player,” Bahlekazi added.

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