Despite facing significant hurdles due to a transfer ban, Royal AM head coach John Maduka has discovered a positive aspect of working with “limited resources” at the club.
The Betway Premiership side has been unable to sign players since 2023 after being sanctioned by FIFA for failing to pay R12 million to Samir Nurkovic. Another ban was imposed on them for unpaid dues to former defender Ricardo Nascimento.
The club’s inability to bolster its squad last season resulted in a challenging campaign, culminating in a 13th-place finish in the DStv [now Betway] Premiership.
Maduka acknowledges the difficulties of coaching under such constraints but believes the experience has accelerated his growth as a coach. He is confident that he can now handle any challenges that may arise in his career.
JOHN MADUKA FEELS HE’S GROWN THROUGH TOUGH TIMES AT ROYAL AM
“It gives me confidence to me as a coach, knowing exactly that I work with a limited squad and I can’t sign players, there’s so much to learn and improve, this is where I get experience,” said Maduka.
“So, the tough time helps because you grow even more bigger. It will give me more experience going forward and I believe that regarding any problems I can be able to deliver with any team or any player I’m given an opportunity to lead.”
Maduka previously navigated some challenges at Bloemfontein Celtics, where financial instability was a constant issue. He emphasised the importance of “patience” in overcoming such difficulties.
MADUKA ON CHALLENGES IN HIS COACHING CAREER – ‘BLESSING IN DISGUISE’
“It’s not easy, not easy but patience is key because everything happens for a reason,” he added.
“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise, you find now that it’s an opportunity for the young ones [to be promoted to the first team].
“Maybe no one else was going to identify them that they are good players but because of the situation, they come in.
“It’s not easy but you have to work hard as a head coach. And again my family, management and the technical team around me with the support they give, it’s gives me confidence.
“On my own, it’s not easy.”
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