Uplifting young talent has been the main topic during many table discussions as experts have debated the need to have young talent nourished.
Ntandoyakhe Sibanda (25) is a talented Primrose East resident who is the development coach of Burning Stars, a Makause soccer team.
The young coach believes the conversation on developing young talent should continue.
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He coaches the Burning Stars u-10 and u-13 teams and sometimes the u-11s.
His coaching career started in 2016 when he coached girls under the banner of Burning Stars.
“Coaching the girls was a very interesting experience because some of them didn’t know how to kick the ball, how to trap the ball, how to control the ball and more.
“Most of them had not known that soccer can be played by females too,” said Sibanda.
“They thought soccer was a boys-only sport,” laughed Sibanda.
“I coached them for a while and coached the u-13 girls’ development team.”
His passion to coach started while he was still a player. He played for his high school team and Burning Stars. He would soon leave to coach Luso Africa.
“Luso Africa u-19 team was a well-oiled machine. It was evident that whatever I had brought to the team, the boys were listening and putting everything in – this was before the outbreak of the pandemic.
“It was a good experience.”
His talent to work with young people has always been evident everywhere he coached.
He said his coaching experience grew as he moved from team to team to gain experience.
“South African football is beautiful, though I strongly believe in teaching these young girls and boys the international UEFA soccer standard, and instil disciple because that is the most valuable tool one has to carry – discipline,” said Sibanda.
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Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
