SAFA to train soccer coaches

Ilembe South African Football Association president Hlelizwe Mhlongo announced that in future SAFA will be giving local soccer coaches free training.

Mhlongo said this on Sunday in Mandeni following the poor performance from the Ilembe soccer teams during the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Games this past weekend.

He said the region did not have a problem when it comes to quality players, but Ilembe lacked proper structures to support the players.

“Most of the districts have qualified coaches and their players are playing in good leagues in the province. We do not have that in our district,” said Mhlongo.

Both Ilembe boys and girls soccer teams were knocked out of the SALGA games before they reached the semi finals.

Residents of Ilembe were left bitterly disappointed, since soccer is the most supported sport in the region.

After training the coaches, Mhlongo said a squad will be selected and they will have to meet twice or three times a week for training.

“This will make a huge difference when it comes to games like this because players and their coaches will have a better relationship. A winning team is a united team,” said Mhlongo.

Judging the level of football played by the Ilembe teams, Mhlongo said it was not bad at all. It was just that they were competing against very strong teams.

With proper development plans and dedication from the players, he said Ilembe would do much better next year.

SAFA is planning to start the training by February next year.

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