SEDIBENG.- The SAFA and FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) has named ex-Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Daniel ‘Sailor’ Tshabalala the U15 Boys Inter-Provincial Coach of the Tournament.

The Sebokeng-born defender led Gauteng to a 4-1 victory against the South Africa U15 National Team in the final. Tshabalala had a great run in this SAFA development tournament held at Marks Park in Johannesburg.

He led the Gauteng U15 Boys team to victory in the tournament, which saw nine provinces competing against each other.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport in an exclusive interview, Tshabalala said his ambition is to coach a junior national soccer team.

He said he was ready to test his coaching skills against the best. Tshabalala is one of the ex-professional soccer players who attended CAF Coaching courses. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that this accolade is a highlight of his coaching career. He said this will serve as motivation for him to work hard and achieve more.

I think he saw something special in me.

“I believe I’m more than capable of coaching one of the junior national soccer teams because of my qualifications. I’m not just a coach; I’m a qualified coach, and I believe I’m ready to coach at national level, especially at the junior level. I’m passionate about working with youngsters, and this victory was not a fluke. I want to thank coach Thulani Mtimkulu for believing in me when he asked me to coach the Gauteng team. I think he saw something special in me and I didn’t disappoint,” said Tshabalala.

To date, Tshabalala is one of the best players to come from the Vaal and has made a name for himself in South African football. He was a versatile player who could play both as a midfielder and defender.