New Wits Juniors U15 head coach Nkululeko Ndaba has set high standards for his young side, demanding confidence, discipline and an attacking approach as he looks to build a team capable of competing with the best.

Ndaba was promoted from the U14 setup to take charge of the U15 team after the club found itself in a difficult position in the competition. Three weeks into his tenure, the coach has already seen signs of progress, with his team recording wins over Remember The Elite and Prestige Football Development Academy.

The first victory came away from home, where Wits Juniors edged Remember The Elite 1-0, before following that up with an impressive 3-1 victory over Prestige Football Development Academy.

Read more: Wits Juniors U15 coach Nkululeko Ndaba sees progress in Gauteng Development League

A defeat to Kaizer Chiefs provided a setback, but Ndaba believes the performance showed that his players are beginning to respond to his methods. “I was scared to play against them because I watched their previous game and they were very good,” says Ndaba. “But I was shocked by the way my boys responded. They were highly motivated.”

Rather than focusing solely on results, Ndaba has placed considerable emphasis on how his players approach the game. His philosophy is centred on playing attractive, intelligent football while encouraging players to take responsibility on the field.

One of his immediate challenges has been rebuilding confidence in a defence he believes is still afraid of making mistakes. Ndaba also identified goalkeeping as an area that requires attention if the team is to develop from the back and compete against more organised opposition.

For the coach, however, those weaknesses are part of the development process. He has been encouraged by the improvement he has seen from game to game and believes the players are gradually understanding what he expects from them.

Ndaba also praised the environment at Wits, highlighting the treatment he has received from the club’s management and staff since taking over the U15 team. He believes the facilities, players and administrative support provide a strong foundation, although there are areas he hopes the club can continue improving.

Also read: Wits U17 strike after halftime to edge Prestige in hard-fought GDL clash

The coach is also clear that he has ambitions beyond the current season. He wants to use his time at Wits to develop both his players and his own coaching career, with aspirations of eventually working at one of the bigger clubs in South Africa.

For now, his focus remains firmly on the Wits Juniors U15 team and helping the players develop the mentality required to compete at a higher level.

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