The Advertiser asked:
The team has been enjoying a stellar season and sitting pretty on top of the ELFA log, what’s the secret behind the good form and solid team chemistry?
It’s the team’s commitment to training sessions twice a week. Voicing and resolving issues as they emerge. Each team member loves the game and they play with heart and soul and it shows. Keeping the boys positive and motivated isn’t hard, with that in mind. A team braai every now and then also helps.
This season has been a huge turnaround in the side’s fortunes compared to last season, when BFC were not even contending for number one, let alone being number one for the majority of the season – how has Garth Cooley changed things?
Garth got the numbers down for pre-season and held trials every couple of weeks to ensure the best guys were chosen for the team.
With one hand on the league title, how is the mood in the camp?
It is awesome! The guys are excited and are determined to finish the league strong.
What would winning the title mean to you, as captain, and to the whole side?
For me it means fulfilling a dream to captain the Boksburg first side and ultimately winning the league. As for the team, all they want is to play really good soccer and to get promoted to the Super League, to better themselves.
It’s very easy to fall into the trap of resting on your laurels when the going is good, as has been the case for BFC this campaign, how do you keep the side focused?
We have training sessions twice a week, which ensures that the guys are fit and ready for each game. It’s always difficult at the tail end of the season, but we have an awesome team of men who are motivated and have the heart to play hard until the end.
Describe Garth as a coach.
Coach Garth’s knowledge of football is excellent. He’s always thinking of how to better the side. His words to me in the pre-season were: “We will win this league”.
How important is your relationship with him for the side going forward?
It’s very important. We have a good relationship. We’re always sharing ideas and doing what’s best for the team and the club.
How have you found leading the side thus far?
I’m really enjoying it. With the group dynamics, it’s both challenging and exciting. We have an awesome team and each team member is in it wholeheartedly. It’s been a great run, with a few ups and downs, but overall it’s been a fantastic season.
Which matches in the league does BFC relish the most, and why?
CBC. It’s our local derby, so it’s always a tough game.
Who are the characters and the most serious in the squad?
Tawanda. He’s a laugh-a-minute and always making us laugh in the dressing room, so it’s fun getting started for the game. As much as he’s a joker, he’s a serious player as well. Tyler Fish. He’s a great player and very serious about the game. All 15 players are serious on game day and always put their best foot forward when it counts.
Have you played for any other sides besides Boksburg?
No, it’s never crossed my mind to join another team. The only major change was moving from the social side to the Premier League – and what an exciting change it’s been!
How long have you been a BFC player and captain?
I joined BFC for the u-6 side and have been with them ever since. This is my first year as captain.
Is skippering BFC is your first experience as captain?
This is my first year as captain for BFC. I was also captain of my soccer team in high school.
How did your football career start?
I’ve been told that it started the day I was conceived (he joked)… I’ve grown up living and breathing the game. My dad (Keith Sole) played for Cosmos, so I watched him all the time. I started playing for the u-6 team for Boksburg, with my dad as coach.
What are your short and long term goals as a footballer?
Short term goal is to win this league and put BFC on top, where we belong. I would like to keep playing football for as long as I possibly can and to continue coaching the youngsters and teaching them everything I know about the game.
Which high school and college/university did you attend?
Germiston High School and Germiston College.
Which football club do you support?
Liverpool. YNWA (You’ll never walk alone)
Who’s your favourite footballer and why?
Steven Gerard, for his captaining skills, all round talent and his vision and passion for the game.
What’s your take on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate?
They are both world class players, but, for me, Lionel Messi is a better team player. They should both come to Liverpool! – @SabeloBoksburg
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