Local coaches and cerebral palsy (CP) soccer players came out in their numbers to be a part of the coaching clinic which aimed to enhance and better the ways of training for CP coaches and players.
Mkhonzana Mkhonza, former Banyana Banyana coach, was present to share his expertise and knowledge to better the approach to training.
Aubrey Mathibela, chairman of the local academy, explains that it is imperative for them as a disability academy to encourage such sporting events to take place especially since physically disabled players are marginalised and forgotten in the sport of soccer.
“CP soccer isn’t popular in our community. It’s still in its early stages so with such events we intend to familiarise people living with disability with the sport so they may also get involved and be a part of the game,” says Mathibela.
Head coach of CP soccer in the Central Gauteng Sports Association, Mduduzi Mnyandu says it is a very educational experience for them as coaches to see the different training styles and tactics that will help them in training their players going forward.
He further says although it will be a challenge to execute some of the training styles, especially with the younger players, it can be done.
Mkhonza also mentioned that it was a pleasure for him to come and help the disabled in the community because more often than not they tend to forget about the physically challenged.
“Our role is to ensure CP coaches are getting the best training skills to impart to their players. We also rectify the mistakes that we see the coaches have been making.
“I’m also learning. There are things the players are teaching me about the physical body and what exercise may not work for them due to their physical limitations,” explains Mkhonza.
