Aspiring young coach Arehone Makhari has all the makings of a future coaching genius.
The youngster dreams of getting one of the toughest jobs in South African football which is to coach Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns.
Makhari is an 11-year-old, who is currently the head coach of the under 11 and 15 sides at the Rams Football Academy which is based in Tshisaulu, Limpopo. He is also sometimes tasked with coaching the Under 17 and 19 sides.
He started showing interest in coaching at the age of five. The grade 5 learner at Makumbani Primary School in Limpopo, was given an opportunity by his local club Muvumoni Stars.
Videos of him first circulated on social media a while ago. In the videos, he was seen coaching players of his father’s age during a local tournament.
The owner of the Rams Academy recruited him firstly as a player but his leadership and coaching brains saw him being appointed coach immediately after joining the academy.
FARPost paid a visit to Makhari to the Academy to hear about his aspirations.
“I started coaching when I was five years old at Muvumoni Stars,” Makhari told this publication.
“I want to find myself coaching in the PSL because when I am in the PSL I will be able to help my family with the money I will get.
“I would like to coach Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune or Marumo Gallants. I would like to have qualifications for coaching and also for administration and reach any level,” he said.
Makhari says despite almost all players being older than him, there is always respect from everyone.
“They don’t disrespect me because the Chairman warned them that if they try to disrespect me they will lose their games and I am sure they don’t want that.”
In terms of coaching philosophy, Makhari says he prefers a 4-3-3 formation where his players keep the ball on the ground.
Chairman of the Academy Tshifhiwa Ramukosi has described Makhari as an intelligent coach who is destined for greater things.
“From what I have seen he is too smart and I am sure if he gets assistance from somewhere and us showing him the way as an Academy, he will become one of the best coaches.
“Of course, we also encourage him to focus on his education but he is destined to become a Pitso Mosimane in South African football,” said Ramukosi.
In the 29 matches Makhari coached he won 16, drew three and lost 10.
