Senong’s heartfelt plea to young coaches

Former South African U20 national team coach and current Engen Knockout Challenge ambassador, Thabo Senong has made a heartfelt plea to young and aspiring coaches to put development at the heart of everything at the ongoing Engen Knockout Challenge in Durban.

The former national team coach was speaking from the University of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 29 June at the opening day of the Engen Knockout Challenge where he, alongside former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo are present for the KZN leg of the nationwide youth competition.

Senong, a well-travelled youth coach who has led the youth national team to two Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa U-20 World Cup competitions is a graduate of the Engen Knockout Challenge where he honed his coaching abilities with Orlando Pirates during his youth coaching days.

“Winning is obviously a great feeling for any coach. All the hard work put into preparing a team for a competition like this is aimed at winning. With that said, it is equally important for coaches at this level to understand that at the heart of such competitions is, and must always be, development. It can never be win at all costs at this level because the Engen Knockout Challenge is a platform for talent to be exposed and nurtured”, said Senong.

“My plea is for coaches to push for the result but always have development at the back of the minds. This way, talent is able to flourish without the added pressure of winning” pleaded Senong.

Commenting on the quality of football at the ongoing competition, the former Bafana Bafana assistant coach said the standard of the competition continues to elevate thanks to innovative and inquisitive coaches who are monitoring global coaching trends.

“From the quality and style of play, you can tell that these players are well coached. This is both in the boys and girls division. From the playing patterns, formations and movements, you can tell that the coaches are on par with international standards, which is something that is of great benefit to these young players for them to easily transition into the professional ranks when the right time comes”, concluded Senong.

The Engen Knockout Challenge concludes on Sunday, 30 June with a full day of knockout action following the group stages on Saturday.