TWO soccer coaches have started a high-performance club (HPC) where they aim to develop and promote soccer to young players in Amanzimtoti.

Siya Zimba of KwaMakhutha and Thandolwakhe Nzama of Lovu started playing football as youngsters and understand the importance of grooming players from an early age. They both coach Toti United FC, with Zimba coaching the U7 team and Nzama in charge of the U8s.

Since the league ended in September, to allow players time to focus on studying in preparation for the upcoming year-end exams, most players become less conditioned, which prompted the duo to do something.

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“Since the league will remain closed for four months, only starting in February again, we needed to continue the momentum that was started at the beginning of the year and keep the players active and sharp. That is why we got the idea of starting a high-performance club. It’s like taking extra lessons,” said Zimba.

Nzama, who holds a C coaching license, said the HPC will not only benefit the children but they, as coaches, will gain more experience and skills.

“Players who go through this programme will develop muscle memory, eye-foot coordination and cognitive skills,” said Nzama.

Other objectives of the HPC will be to teach proper nutrition, ball technique, discipline and social skills. They also want to teach male and female players about modern goalkeeping techniques. The two men’s soccer experience is vast. Nzama started playing soccer when he was six and rose through the ranks as a left-back. At 14, he was already playing in the eThekwini Coastal FC’s Senior Team. From there, he played for Lovu Classic FC, Newlands United FC and Durban City FC.

Zimba holds a SAFA coaching licence and is affiliated with the KZN Goalkeepers Academy.

In his playing days, he played as a goalkeeper for Africa Sport FC, Transnet U17, Dynamos FC and Spurs FC. He also went for trials with Orlando Pirates.

While the children pay R450 per month to join the HPC and attend training once a week, Zimba and Nzama said the fee is only to cover the running costs, including buying balls, cones and other equipment.

They are looking for any kind of sponsorship to keep the HPC running and to include more children. To contact them, call Zimba on 081 304 6431 or Nzama on 072 950 3594.

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