Experienced midfielder Deolin Mekoa has opened up about his working relationship with head coach, Clinton Larsen at Venda FC in the second-tier league.
Mekoa is currently in the books of the Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Venda FC, where he was recently announced as one of the new recruits for the 2025/26 campaign.
The 32-year-old was unveiled among 12 other new signings, such as Chris Matombo, Selvyn Jacobs, Tebogo Makobela, Gregory Demons, Thato Lingwati, Sibongiseni Ngcobo, Anathi Ngwadla, Neo Ntombela, Rendani Ramakgapola, Motebang Sera, Unarine Kudzingana, and Joseph Mazibuko.
The relationship between Larsen and Mekoa dates back to the 2020/21 season during their time at Bizana Pondo Chiefs, who were competing in the South African second-tier.
In addition, the duo continued to work together when coach Larsen joined Summerfield Dynamos and Magesi FC, respectively.
Mekoa featured for Venda FC in their opening league game against Cape Town City FC at Athlone Stadium over the weekend. The showdown ended in a 0-0 draw.
WHAT DEOLIN MEKOA SAID ABOUT WORKING WITH CLINTON LARSEN AS A COACH
Mekoa portrayed Larsen as a father figure who understands how to bring out the best in players through his unique approach of coaching.
“You know, my relationship with coach Clinton Larsen has come a very long way. The first time I played under coach Larsen, I think it was at Bizana Pondo Chiefs in the NFD,” Mekoa told FARPost.
“I then moved to Summerfield Dynamos with the coach and also moved to Magesi with him. We won something [Carling Knockout Cup] at Magesi, and it was a good feeling.
“The coach is like a father figure to us. He knows how to get the best out of every player. He guides us, tells us what to do, and it helps us a lot in order to achieve what we want to achieve. We just want to thank him. He is a very good coach, and we are happy to have him on the team.”
Venda FC will take on the Motsepe Foundation Championship rookies Gomora United on Saturday, 30 August, at Thohoyandou Stadium in their second game of the new season.
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