‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane advocates for holistic approach in youth football

Reneilwe Letsholonyane has emphasised the importance of long-term development in youth football, arguing that focusing solely on results at youth level hinders the country’s progress in nurturing future talent.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana star was released from his duties as the head coach of the AmaZulu FC DStv Diski Challenge side in January. ‘Yeye’ joined AmaZulu over a year ago and served as a mentor to the club’s under-17 side.

The retired midfield maestro later became an assistant coach in the DDC while Siyabonga Nomvethe was the head coach.

After Nomvethe was fired, Letsholonyane took over the head coaching role permanently in August 2023. However, the AmaZulu reserve side had a poor run under his tutelage and the team suffered seven consecutive defeats before his sacking.

In the past month, Reneilwe Letsholonyane bid farewell to the club and gave thanks to the management for the opportunity.

Although the KZN-based side lies second at the bottom on the DDC table with 11 points after 20 matches, the 41-year-old coach argued that success should not be measured with results in the development.

LETSHOLONYANE SUGGESTS THAT RESULTS SHOULDN’T BE A KEY FOCUS IN THE DEVELOPMENT

The ex-Jomo Cosmos midfielder argued that the key focus should be on improving players tactically, technically, and mentally.

“I think getting fired at AmaZulu was based on the results. The team wasn’t doing well; I mean, we lost seven games in a row,” Letsholonyane said in an interview with FARPost.

“If we measure success with results at that level [development], then we are in trouble as a country. Don’t cut corners for the sake of results. It could be a different conversation when you are in the NFD or DStv Premiership, in that space results are important.

“We must focus on elevating the players tactically, technically, and mentally so that we groom players who are ready to play in the PSL. I think these players know that it takes more than just talent to make it as a professional player.

“So from my side, I can say that I managed to share my knowledge with players and I’m also grateful for the knowledge I gained coaching the team.”

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