SHARPEVILLE.-  Former Kaizer Chiefs dreadlocked defender, Thabang Rooi, conducted a training session for young defenders at Cecil Oldridge Park recently.

Rooi is known for his no-nonsense defending in his prime playing for Kaizer Chiefs and Black Aces, among other PSL teams. This is part of Rooi’s ploughing back into his community through football.  He taught the young defenders valuable skills, preparing them for the future.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Rooi said it is important for these youngsters to know the basics of defending at an early age. He believes there is a serious need for someone who specialises in developing defenders.

Rooi said that most of the time, the PSL teams hire former strikers to work with the strikers, but neglect the defenders. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that South African clubs must consider having academies that only focus on defenders.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that defenders are the most important part of the team because in modern football, the team plays from the back.

“I know there are goalkeeper academies, but what about defenders, because goalkeeping and defending are the most important parts of the game? I took it upon myself to help these young defenders, and I will be conducting sessions every Saturday in the morning. The only thing I’m going to ask is for equipment from the Department of Sports. I don’t need their money, just help with equipment,” said Rooi.

Rooi is one of the players who started his football career on the dusty Sharpeville soccer grounds, playing for X20 FC.

He comes from the same townships that produced soccer greats such as Simon ‘Bull’ Lehoko and Augusting Makalakalane, to mention a few.