DNC - Coaching is a vital part of the success of any youth football team

With the 2016 under-12 Danone Nations Cup registration period now closed, the spotlight falls on how the teams are preparing for the upcoming games.  The ultimate winner will represent South Africa at the world finals to be held in France this year at a venue and date still to be announced.

Having the correct coaching staff is key to any team’s success for a number of reasons; firstly to be able to select the best players and this does not necessarily mean the player with the best skills, but the player who is also able to think quickly and make decisions as well.  Secondly, this age is crucial in terms of helping players understand and interpret the rules of the games correctly and teach them how to play as a team as opposed to an individual.

This is according to Keutsepilemang Ndebele, who will be coaching Cambridge Academy from Witbank, Mpumalanga. “Kids at this age are inclined to chase the ball as opposed to playing strategically.”

Cambridge Academy is a private school celebrating its 18^th birthday this year.  There are 500 learners in the school and soccer was introduced into the sports curriculum last year.

Ndebele has an impressive soccer resume. He has been the technical coach for a team in Zimbabwe called Rail Stars FC and studied at the Brazilian Football Academy where former Brazil and Bafana Bafana national coach Carlos Alberto Parrerira was one of the instructors.

He also has a coaching license from English Football Association, and a Namibia CAF coaching qualification. He runs his own soccer academy.

Ndebele believes the Danone Nations Cup is a great platform for soccer development and acknowledges that Danone does great work in nurturing the mind and bodies of children through the tournament. 

“It is also important to ensure the kids have fun,” Said Ndebele.  “This is the age when kids develop their love for the game and it is important to teach good habits and instill correct techniques that will help them throughout their soccer careers. It’s about growing. Every child has a competitive side and wants to be recognised.  This tournament helps nurture that competitive nature and it build confidence.” 

As this will be the school’s first experience in the competition the coach will be using this platform as a learning and growing experience.  The school has not had much match practice and they are not sure how many of the 21 schools in the district have entered the competition, but their focus will be on the team and how they work together as a whole unit. “We have a couple of potentially good players in the squad and my job is to ensure that I develop them as best I can for their futures.” 

These youngsters could not have a better coach and with his experience they can only shine.

About Danone

Danone Southern Africa is part of the Danone Group, one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world.  Danone is present in over 120 countries across all continents. With 160 plants and around 100,000 employees, the Danone Group is the number one worldwide for Fresh Dairy Products. Danone’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

One of the core values of the Danone Nations Cup tournament is to encourage young people to believe in their dreams. Through this initiative Danone offers a sporting event that reaches out to and inspires millions of children all over the world