Engen Knockout Challenge graduate coach appointed by Fifa

Engen has given rise to a number of talents to go on and flourish in their respective careers. From players to coaches to administrators, and even those who work in the background, the number of individuals whose careers have catapulted after featuring in the tournament which has entered its 22nd year of existence.

The latest example of such is Pimville-born Thabo Senong, who is an Engen ambassador, having competed in the tournament as youth coach with Orlando Pirates stretching as far back as 2010, the 44-year-old has taken the next step in his career, where he was handpicked by none other than Arsene Wenger to form part of Fifa’s Technical Development Scheme.

“I’ve just joined Fifa in August as a Fifa talent coach, which is a programme that falls under the technical development scheme, which is the idea pioneered by the Chiefs of Global Development at Fifa, coach Arsene Wenger,” said Senong.

“He wants to improve countries that are struggling and close the gap between developing countries and the leading nations in football.

Senong, who will be stationed in Malawi as part of his duties has given credit to Engen for the platform they have provided, not only for himself but for coaches who are currently making headway in the Premier Soccer League, as well as up-and-coming coaches who are making a name for themselves in youth football.

“We are all products of this tournament and that’s where we started. I was at Pirates under Professor [Augusto] Palacios, we won it twice.

“It has produced a lot of coaches. Coach Kwanele Kopo is coaching Chippa United, and he has coached in this tournament a number of times. [There is also] coach Arthur Zwane at Kaizer Chiefs, so this tournament has produced a lot of coaches and there are more up-and-coming coaches like coach ‘DVD’ (David Mathebula), coach Andisiwe Mcgoyi and a whole lot of other coaches.

“You can see that it is a well-rounded tournament that gives us experts from the administration and technical sides, not only players,” he explained.