Kwanele Kopo has explained the reasons why he was so sure that Chippa United coach Thabo September was always destined for a career in coaching.
When September was still playing for SuperSport United, Kopo held the position of youth technical director at the club. Their paths later crossed in the coaching ranks when Kopo was the head coach of the SuperSport DDC team, with September serving as his assistant.
After Kopo’s departure, September, as a head coach, went on to win the DDC title in the 2022/23 season.
Kopo recalls that September’s leadership qualities were evident even during his playing career, pointing to his captaincy roles at both Bush Bucks and SuperSport.
He believes that the Chilli Boys mentor’s natural leadership qualities extend beyond football.
KOPO BELIEVES SEPTEMBER’S LEADERSHIP QUALITIES GO BEYOND FOOTBALL
“I’ve always had an honour and pleasure of working with Thabo as a player at SuperSport United,” Kopo told FARPost.
“Being a coach when Thabo was still playing, so I coached him as a player. And during his days as a player, he showed qualities and personality that would enable him to go into a leadership position in a club.
“That’s why when he retired, SuperSport United took him to the marketing department as an ambassador, and he did very well on that. We brought him to coaching at the youth academy, and at that time, I was still the technical director. He became my assistant coach in the DDC.
“And when I left SuperSport United, Thabo took over the team that we had been building for three years, and he went on to win the DDC title.
“We went together to Chippa, and everything I did there, he was part and parcel. I consulted him on everything, and I think he’s grown from his time at SuperSport to his time at Chippa.
“From a leadership perspective, I think he’s capable [of going far]. He’s always had that personality, he was a captain at Bush Bucks, captain at SuperSport. So he has that personality.”
Kopo believes that obtaining coaching licenses will be crucial for September’s continued development as a coach.
KOPO SAYS OBTAINING COACHING LICENCES WILL BE CRUCIAL FOR SEPTEMBER
“From a coaching perspective, he is a developing coach. Yes, he’s doing his licenses, and I’ve reminded him to keep pushing for education because sometimes that’s the mistake some former players make. They tend to lose focus on education,” Kopo added.
“As much as he has the experience as a player, the education will help him so much in understanding how to plan, approach, and manage the games.
“I’m happy for him; I think he’s the type of personality that can progress and do well.”
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