Newly appointed Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids has outlined his reasons for bringing Wayne Sandilands to his coaching staff in Tanzania.
Davids, who recently moved from assistant coach at Raja Casablanca to the Tanzanian giants on a two-year deal, assembled a South African backroom staff.
Darian Wilken joined as his assistant coach, while Riedoh Berdien took on the role of fitness coach. Former AmaZulu FC goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands completed the team as the goalkeeper coach.
Davids believes Sandilands benefited from learning under top goalkeeper coaches at Orlando Pirates like Andrew Sparkes who is now with QPR and Jyri Nieminen who now works at Feyenoord.
He feels the former Buccaneers goalkeeper offers more than just goalkeeping expertise, he understands the game comprehensively.
FADLU DAVIDS EXPLAINS WHY HE WENT FOR SANDILANDS
“He’s definitely one of the best goalkeeper coaches in South Africa,” said Davids during the interview with FARPost.
“I think he has worked with top-level goalkeeper coaches at Orlando Pirates, Andrew Sparkes who went on to be the goalkeeper coach of Southampton [now with QPR], Jyri Nieminen who’s a coach at New York Red Bulls and now with Feyenoord in Holland.
“And these are top-level goalkeeper coaches. Coach Wayne Sandilands has been with these top goalkeeper coaches.
“He’s taken not only educated himself with UEFA Licence, he’s really not only a goalkeeper coach but a coach as well.
“And that’s where the game is moving. The goalkeeper coach is not only focusing on touching the ball. It’s build-up, defensive organisation, defensive set-pieces and it’s a bigger role now in modern football.
“As a coach, I can’t be putting my finger on each and every aspect of the game. You have to rely on competent people around you who tick the box in managing the goalkeeping department but not only that, much more.”