Kempton Park FC takes on Black Ball United
“With the new players joining the team, we are optimistic that they will do well this year as well. The boys had a fantastic day showcasing their skills.”
Kempton Park FC (KPFC) held their annual derby tournament against Black Ball United at home on March 9.
Junior coordinator Nomvuyo Hobongwana said the tournament’s purpose was to prepare the players for the season, which will kick off on April 6. The tournament featured players aged eight to 17.
Hobongwana said Black Ball was the perfect team to measure league readiness.
“They are considered as one of the top teams in the region. Our U11 side with coach Percy performed well last season, and this year, they will be playing at the premier level.
“With the new players joining the team, we are optimistic that they will do well this year as well. The boys had a fantastic day showcasing their skills.”
Kempton Express spoke to the coaches about their preparations for the league.
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“I am a competitive coach. I believe in physical, psychological, and emotional development.
“Once my players grasped these aspects of football philosophy, results come automatically. There’s still more room for improvement from new players at this stage of our preparations,” said coach Percy Mazibuko.
Mazibuko said that building accountability and commitment in the coach-player relationship is a vital yet challenging aspect of the process.
He said the challenge often arises from a miscomprehension of the coach’s instruction, more especially if you’re a new player coming to work with the type of coach he is.
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“Selection was completed on February 2. We are participating in pre-season tournaments to find our rhythm and build a competitive team for the tough premier league.
“We field two U15 teams, which are both competitive and have already shown signs of improvement. They have put the club values far ahead of individual success.”
Coach Thato Mlangeni from Black Ball United said they always play to win.
“We work with the players so that they can make better decisions on the pitch.”
Coach Muzi Masuku from Blackb Ball United said Kempton Park FC invited them to participate in the pre-season friendly.
“Such friends help determine where our teams are in terms of skill level and whether there are any improvements or changes that need to be made before the league starts,” said Masuku.
“We have quite a few new players who have joined our team and may need to adapt to our style of play.
“These games assist in building good team chemistry and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of fellow teammates.
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“Sport unites people. They keep children away from trouble, teach them discipline, and teach them to live a healthy lifestyle at a tender age. Above all, children grow up competing and knowing nothing comes easy in life,” said Masuku.
“We want to grow the Black Ball brand to be the biggest on the East Rand.”
