Gauteng Primary School, who were runners-up in the 2014 Danone Nations Cup, are hoping to win this time around

Gauteng’s Farrarmere Primary School were runners-up in the national finals of the under-12 Danone Nations Cup tournament last year and they have already got their entry for this year’s competition in, hoping to go one step further this time around.

And the man they are hoping will take them all the way to the world finals this time around is new coach, Moeketsi “Pride” Moorosi, who started training sessions with the team this week.

Moorosi is well qualified for the job. He played for Orlando Pirates reserves and decided to branch out get into coaching.  In 1993 he coached part time going into it on a full time basis in 2004.

Players he boasts to have coached include: Jabulani Mendu, who has now retired but who played for Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns, Musa Bilankulu(Bidvest Wits) and Lorenzo Gordinho (Kaizer Chiefs).

In 2011 he went to Holland and was awarded the KNVB coaching certificate. He says he uses the KNVB approach in his coaching which is based on developing the minds of the player and teaching skills though repetition.

“Coaching is the same as teaching in the classroom,” he said. “Repetition is key, especially at this age when good habits need to be taught. Players improve their game by continuously repeating what you teach them during training sessions and even in a game.”

Moorosi does not believe in trends and fashions in soccer. “I do what works for me and my team. At the end of the day it’s all about what my team is comfortable with,” he said.

His plan is to bring excitement and fun to the players with his coaching. “I don’t want to put pressure on the team,” he said. “Of course we would like to win, but at this age it is about having fun and developing a love for the game. It’s also about building experience and confidence.”

The coach believes Farramere’s experience at last year’s Danone Nations Cup national finals was valuable. “Getting to the national finals the first year the school entered the tournament was a great achievement and has got the whole school excited about soccer and they are behind the team this year.”

Moorosi is grateful to the sponsors. “When you have companies like Danone sponsoring a tournament you have no choice but to be inspired.  They encourage kids to believe in their dreams and also keep healthy and active. We also have Mille who give us our kit which most schools cannot afford to purchase themselves and Nikon who take pictures to create memories our kids will never forget.”

“All we are waiting for now is for the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) to schedule the fixtures for our district,” said Moorosi, who one day would like to coach beloved Orlando Pirates.

Schools have until 27 February to enter.  To get the entry form contact Themba Tshabalala at SASFA: themba.tshabalala@safa.net or on 011 567 2010.  Schools can also download the registration form on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DNCSouthAfrica.