Coach of Benny’s Sports Development and Academy, based in
Vhembe, Limpopo, believes his under-12 team has a good chance of once again
representing South Africa at the Danone Nations Cup world finals due to take
place in Spain in 2019. However, they still have to compete against eight
other provincial champions at the national finals taking place at the
Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto on 15th September.
This will not be the first time Mbishi Mokwena will be
bringing his team to Gauteng to compete in the national finals. He was
there in 2016 where he steered his team to victory and they went on to compete
in Paris, France, in the world finals, which proved to be the biggest learning
curve of his life.
“It was an eye opener for me,” he said. “When I
went to France I thought I knew everything about football and that there was
nothing left to learn but I soon found out that I only knew a fraction,” he
said.
“I watched the other coaches, their approach to the game
and how they managed players. Then I watched how players communicated on the
field, how they used the field effectively. I realised soccer is not just a
game of skills, it is far more – you need to use your head as well as your
feet. You need to know where your team mates and opponents are on the
field at all times to look for opportunities, whether passing or scoring.”
Benny’s are the 2018 Limpopo provincial champions and
Mbishi is confident that this team is stronger than the 2016 team and that they
will qualify for the world finals for a second time. Further, he completed his
SAFA Level D Licence last year which has further helped him to prepare a very
strong team.
Benny’s biggest challenge, explains Mokoena, is that
their school fields are gravel and the national finals will be played on grass.
“The different surface means the ball bounces differently which could affect
the boys. The speed with which the ball moves is also something the boys are
going to have to get used to quickly.”
Lack of parental support is also challenging, believes
Mokoena. “I would like to see parents come and watch their kids whenever
they play as this is very motivating and they play with more confidence.”
The team does get great support from the school
principal, which is important. “The kids respect him and want to make a good
impression. He helps me to focus on coaching and on the boys, rather than on
lots of paper work,” he said.
The coach identified Kevin Mahangwahaya, the captain of
the team, as a key player. “He has great skills and is very good at encouraging
the other players in his team. His brother, Ivan Mahangwahaya, plays
centre-forward for Black Leopards in the PSL and gives us all good advice.”
Mbishi still coaches the boys who went to France in 2016,
who now compete for the school’s under-15 team. Players from that team who are
excelling include Dakalo Mukwevho, who was captain back then and Hulisani
Mashau, the goal keeper.
“In France those boys saw how vast the world is and there
are so many opportunities out there and it has encouraged them all to do well
at school and it has motivated them to change their lives and circumstances for
the better. Hard work pays off and one must believe in dreams as they do come
true,” Mbishi said.
For example, Xolani Muyela, the central defender and top
goal-scorer for the 2016 team has gone from strength to strength. He was chosen
to play for the South African Under-17’s and is an important member of Benny’s
u-15 side at the moment.
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| 2018 team |
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| 2016 Team |
