Local coaches primed for provincial level

Local soccer coaches are being empowered by South African Football Association’s (Safa) experts at the coaching clinic currently taking place at Palm Dune Beach Lodge in Blythedale.
The clinic, which is hosted by the sport and recreation department in partnership with Safa is attended by coaches from around Ilembe region. The 10 day course started on Saturday February 1 and will continue until February 10.
Included amongst the facilitators sharing their knowledge are the national first division and premier soccer league referee, Zwelibanzi Nkosi as well as national soccer experts Frans Mogashoa and Katz Naidoo.
Some of the key areas to be covered during the clinic include factors of performance, team tactics, playing systems, sports medicine, mental training and talent identification.
The coaches have also been undergoing practical training at the Stanger Recreation Ground to make sense of all of theory they have been learning.
The programme is to further capacitate coaches to the next level of coaching which is Safa level one certification. Most of the Safa ILembe coaches had previously been trained to the introductory coaching certificate level. Both female and male coaches attending the clinic are expected to advanced to the next level of coaching.
“Our aim is to ensure that every local football association has coaches that have the qualification to coach at a provincial level so that they can apply for jobs should there be an opening in provincial teams,” said Safa facilitator Frans Magoshoa.