Exactly a year after Romain Folz’s departure from the DStv Premiership, an Orlando Pirates star has credited the highly-rated coach for his career growth.
Former players who played under the Frenchman are now speaking up about his unique coaching style and his significant influence on their development as footballers.
Philip Ndlondlo, who worked with Folz at Marumo Gallants before switching to the Buccaneers, has spoken out about the positive impact his former coach had on his game and the team as a whole.
The midfielder revealed that Folz helped him become a better and more competitive player by focusing on his weaknesses and challenging him to improve in every training session. This individualised approach was applied to each player, resulting in a stronger team overall.
“I feel he impacted my game in such a way that he helped me become a better and more competitive player. He taught me how to challenge myself every session by working on things that help me improve my game, which is my weakness, and he does that with everyone within the team to also improve the team as a whole,” Ndlondlo said.
The midfielder believes that approach also had an effect on the entire Gallants team. “We went five games without a loss because we were starting to understand the game better with the philosophy that he was introducing to us as a team,” stated Ndlondlo.
WHAT SETS ROMAIN FOLZ APART?
What sets Folz apart, according to the player, is his unwavering belief in his methods and his desire for his players to be winners, fighters and a brotherhood. “He’s also a good human being,” the midfielder added.
Another former Pirates midfielder, Mpho Mvelase, highlighted that Folz’s tenure at Gallants was marked by a period of improved performance and a stronger team dynamic, a testament to his coaching abilities.
“It was an excellent experience for me even though he’s a young coach. You could see that he’s very knowledgeable. When he came to Marumo, that was my first season. He had a hand in our good run in the CAF Confederation Cup, although he left early in the season.
“His challenge to us was that the games we played could potentially change our careers and get us signed by other teams”.
True to his word, Ndlondlo moved to Pirates, Mahlatse Makudubela made a switch to Tanzania, and Mvelase is with TS Galaxy. Ranga Chivaviro moved to Kaizer Chiefs after a fairytale run in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“He instilled the belief that we could achieve things in continental football; the hunger was stirred, and we ended up in the semi-final. He had a good impact on the group,” added Mvelase.
Adding to the chorus of praise, Bucs midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula says he enjoyed “a good relationship with Romain”. Folz coached him at AmaZulu before he made a switch to Pirates.
“He always wanted me to improve, and he helped a lot of players in our squad. For me, he is the type of coach who does not take nonsense from any senior player or any other player. He believes in players who want to work. I enjoyed working with him, honestly.”
‘ROMAIN FOLZ LEAVES NO DETAIL’
Mohamed Aziz, a seasoned goalkeeper coach who worked with Folz during his short tenure at Guinean club Horoya AC, says the youthful mentor “leaves no detail” when he executes his duties.
“He’s a great man with a genuine character,” Aziz remarked. “[Folz] values respect and honesty and is incredibly dedicated to his work. He has a way of connecting with everyone and commands genuine affection.”
Aziz, who boasts over two decades of experience as a goalkeeper coach, was particularly impressed by the 33-year-old coach’s meticulous approach to the game.
“I’ve seen many coaches, but Folz stands out. He leaves no detail overlooked. His ability to prepare his team from all angles – theoretical, practical, and through video analysis – is unmatched. It was truly a privilege to work with such a dedicated and talented coach.”
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