Radebe addresses coaches

Rhoo, as the former Bafana Bafana captain is affectionately known, was speaking at the eight-day Safa D-licence coaching course under the #BetwayCares Skills Hub in Middleburg. He was addressing aspiring male and female coaches gathered at the Themba Sinamela Stadium as part of Betway’s nationwide community sport development programme.

Radebe, who has since travelled with Betway across various South African communities, highlighted how coaches can extend their positive influence on people beyond the football field.

“A course of this nature is designed to equip participants to become better coaches on the field of play. However, what many people are not aware of is the crucial role that a coach can play in society through displaying similar character traits that a coach has on the field of play,” said Radebe.

“Our communities face a lot of challenges and a part of this is due to a serious lack of leadership and role models. Through certain character traits acquired from being a coach such as discipline, punctuality, honesty and most importantly hard work, coaches can play an even bigger role in society that is not just limited to the field of play,” he said.

In welcoming Radebe’s advice, Thobeka Simelane, who has ambitions of coaching a professional women’s club in the future, said it was important for young coaches to take the advice to heart and be more cognisant of the important role that they play in society.

“I am quite encouraged by Lucas’ wise words. Our communities face several challenges and as coaches, we need to make use of our position in football to make a positive contribution to society. The character traits that he mentioned to us are not entirely new to us and this is why we need to play our part as football coaches and contribute positively to society,” said Simelane.

The next focus area of the #BetwayCares Skills Hub will be rugby during June.