Great coach, superb team
JOBURG - The man behind F.C Gauteng's resurgence, his appetite for success and love for the beautiful game keeps him and the team on top of their game.
FC Gauteng remain top of their game thanks to their coach’s appetite for success and his immense love of the beautiful game.
Sihle Ngcobo, founder and coach of FC Gauteng, has enjoyed success with his teams over the past season, winning six trophies in the last 12 months with both the U20 and senior teams.
Ngcobo said his love of children and the beautiful game are what keep him motivated. “When you are a coach you must be able to engage with the players at a personal level. You are not only a coach, you are a teacher, they must be able to speak to you about their problems,” he said.
His U20 team has turned out to be one of the most feared in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association after winning the Ntate Molepo and the Alfred Maimane Phiri (Map) games in succession. The most recent came at the Map Games where they defeated Baroka FC in the final to win the U20 tournament for the second year in a row.
Ngcobo, who is also affectionately known as Mapholoba, said there is a lot of pressure in managing all the divisions and is now looking for a coach but has not yet found the right person. “I am currently under pressure and I need a coach to assist me, but I want someone who has a love for children. I want a person I can trust and has a love for the players,” he said.
“That is why most teams do not survive, as they hire coaches that are not passionate about football.”
Ngcobo said he likes Stuart Baxter and looks up to him as a role model because of his coaching philosophy and his approach to the game. “He gives players a chance equally and does not buy faces [he selects players based on merit].”
Ngcobo said winning accolades and being the best is what motivates him and his team, but admitted that the lack of sponsorship is hampering their progress.
“I want to see my team in the Premier Soccer League, although there are hurdles to overcome. One of them is the lack of sponsorship which makes it difficult to run the team. I have to take money from my pocket to cover the team expenses.”
According to Ngcobo, some of the U20 players will be promoted to the senior team and a few new players will come in to strengthen the different teams in all divisions.
Details: Sihle Ngcobo 079 045 2061.
