AmaZulu FC under-17 head coach Reneilwe Letsholonyane has revealed the toughest challenge he’s encountered in his coaching journey so far.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder joined Usuthu juniors at the start of this year. Mbulelo Mabizela and Andile Cele were also among staff members who joined along with ‘Yeye’ to mould the future players.
These appointments were made during the club’s launch of a new youth development campaign named ‘Project 2032’.
Before he joined AmaZulu, Letsholonyane had already started preparing for his professional coaching journey. After the end of his short spell with TS Galaxy, he decided to hang up his boots.
He then reportedly started mentoring a SAB side called Pimville Young Stars in the SAFA Johannesburg region.
Letsholonyane was speaking to the media during the Engen Knockout Challenge draw that took place in the SAFA Ethekwini offices.
He admitted he’s faced the challenge of comparing himself with the players he’s coaching. He also feels that he’s had to learn to understand the human side of his players.
LETSHOLONYANE ON HARDEST THING ABOUT HE’S FACED IN COACHING
“The lessons for a new coach especially for some of us who played is to try and let go that phase of being a player and now focus more on being a coach,” said Letsholonyane.
“To not compare yourself to the players you’re coaching. Understand the human side of the players that you’re coaching.”
Asked about not being given coaching opportunities in his previous teams like Kaizer Chiefs where he played his best football, Letsholonyane said:
“This life is a journey and a journey has challenges you face here and there.”
“It won’t be as much as I thought it would be. There will be disappointments, there will be happiness in between. And for me, I’m grateful that I got this opportunity to be where I am to be a coach at AmaZulu.
“It is what it is, I’m doing what I love in the space that I love. And whatever that will happen after that, it will be God’s will.”
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