BFC coach chats about the challenges of mentoring the Blues
In a conversation with the Advertiser, Boksburg Football Club (BFC) coach Garth Cooley talks about the challenges of mentoring the Blues, the biggest characters in the dressing room and his stance in the ongoing Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate.
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The Advertiser asked:
This is of course not your first time as BFC coach, how does your current tenure compare to your past tenures?
My current tenure is a lot more challenging. I’m working with much better players and we are in a league above the past league in which I was involved.
The team sits on the summit of the log and has been playing solid, attacking football – how did you change things around?
By implementing my own style, formation and tactics, as well as hard work with the team at training. My players are also very determined to do well, so it works both ways.
What are the biggest challenges you face as BFC head coach?
Getting commitment from the lads and dealing with various personalities. You have to keep everyone happy.
BFC have been fighting it out for top honours with defending champions Alberton. Do you feel the upcoming clash with them could be the title-decider?
Not at all, every game from here till the end of the season is the title decider for us.
Which other sides, if any, have you coached apart from BFC?
I haven’t coached any other teams outside of BFC.
As mentioned before, BFC lie first on the log with the first round of fixtures having just being completed. What’s your observation of the season so far?
I would say that there is a lot of good competition, and anyone could take the title at this stage.
Who is the biggest character and the most serious player in the dressing room?
Biggest character – Matthew Cooley, everyone respects the former captain. Most serious player – Donovan Kruger, he really pushes himself to do the best for the team every game.
What are the worst and best moments of all your time at BFC?
The best is coming second in Division One, to enjoy promotion. Worst is losing the cup final against CBC.
Away from BFC, who’s your pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – and why?
Cristiano Ronaldo, because, in my personal opinion, he is more a complete player… just my opinion.
Your favourite international team and player?
I would say Germany, and my player would be Wayne Rooney.
Were you a player yourself? If yes, which teams did you represent and what position did you play?
I was a goalkeeper. I started when I was nine years of age, playing for Elsburg, and then moved to Boksburg FC when I was 14.
What do you do when you’re off the field of play?
Spend time with my family and friends.
* BFC play in the Eastern Local Football Association (ELFA) Premier League.