It’s a dream come true for Soweto derby coaches

ERNEST MABASA 

When Perseverance Molekoa received a call telling him that he will be coaching Kaizer Chiefs when they face Orlando Pirates tomorrow on Carling Black Label Cup fell down and cried as he could not believe it.Molekoa, who was about to go to sleep when he got the call from SABC radio presenter Thomas Mlambo announcing him the winner, says it is difficult to believe that he will be coaching chiefs tomorrow at FNB at 3:30pm. “When Thomas called me it was around 8:45pm my feelings were beyond excitement. I did not believe it. I still cannot believe this. I think I will believe it when I walk in the tunnel with the players to the field,” he said.Coach Molekoa’s wish was to coach Chiefs before he reaches 30 years and this has come true eight years earlier. Molekoa ,22, is a final year student at Tshwane University of Technology studying Officiating and Coaching Science. He believes that his theoretical knowledge will see his team win the match tomorrow,”I am a sportsman, which is why I decided to go to Tshwane University of Technology to study Officiating and Coaching Science. It is my final year and I want take it as a career. My wish was to coach Chiefs before I am 30 years and it happened now. 

I am very happy that I got the chance. I can’t wait for the game.” Molekoa continued.Soshanguve born Molekoa, who followed sport from young age, urges supporters to come to the stadium in throngs to watch great match. He says his theoretical knowledge will be put to practical, “we have to give our supporters what they want on Saturday. We are honored. We would love to thank Carling Black Label. I have much more experience than Motsepe.  He has been at the pitch with players but I know what should I do and what I should not. His experience does not do anything to me because I have knowledge theoretically that is going to contribute.” Molekoa said.The excitement experienced by Molekoa was the same for Coach Cornelius Motsepe (30) who will be at the Orlando Pirates bench. “The feeling was unexplainable. I can’t explain it even now,” he said. North West coach Motsepe has been Pirates supporter from primary school. He says that he knows very well that Pirates have culture that must be maintained. “I was born in Makau village in the North West. I am living in SOWETO now. I have been an Orlando Pirates supporter from primary school. I remember the generations of William Okpara, Brandan Silence, Helmen Mkhele and others. I think it will come down on Saturday. The results will show. We are going to showcase our gifts and talent. Obviously football changed.  It has grown. Coaches are different. We have different philosophies. Mine will focus on giving supporters value for their money through goals.  I have different style of play from others. There has been lack of goals in the derby but I am bringing different type of tactics and not forgetting the Orlando pirates’ culture of play. Former youth Sundowns coach Motsepe thinks his knowledge will play a vital role when he gets to coach Pirates tomorrow. “I am glad that I have been a site light coach of one of the clubs. The experience is big. It helped me a lot, being there coaching the youngsters the basics,” Motsepe said, who thinks players that have been playing in this competition will have much role to play this time.“We have players who have experience on this Carling Cup. Supporters have voted for Rooi Mahamutsa, Siyabonga Sangweni who is fully recovered. They bring along quality game. Yes we will not have Lucky Lekgwathi with his leadership qualities it is a big blow but we have good defense.  We have an educated midfielder Daine Klate who can whip in the crosses to create goal scoring opportunities, and strikers like Lehlogonolo Majoro and Kermit Erasmus,” he said.For Kaizer Chiefs the team will be different since some players are injured. Molekoa believes with these changes, his side stands a better chance of winning it, “Supporters have voted for the different team due to different things that prevailed Chabalala getting injured, the club losing Knowledge Musona to his German club (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim). We had to make changes. We brought in Willard Katsande and in our strike force we had to bring Kingston Nkatha. The team is looking good. It will help me to plan because earlier the counterparts could have caught me. I will bring back the Kaizer Chiefs football. With the current coach, we have been playing transitional football. It will be a great football match,” he said.