Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Tefu Mashamaite has spoken about his experience of life in the SAFA ABC Motsepe League as a head coach.
Mashamaite was appointed to guide the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side Phalaborwa United a fortnight ago.
This comes after the amateur club was promoted to the ABC Motsepe League following their triumph in the provincial playoffs held in August this year.
Mashamaite has already hit the ground running, preparing the team for the Nedbank Cup preliminary stage against Selwane Whit Vultures. This showdown is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 11 October, at Selwane Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 15h00.
In addition, the 41-year-old retired centre-back has begun pursuing his coaching badges, having completed his SAFA CAF D Coaching License this past weekend.
WHAT TEFU MASHAMAITE SAID ABOUT HIS NEW CHAPTER
Mashamaite expressed his enthusiasm to start his coaching journey in his home province, eager to elevate Phalaborwa United and prepared to face any challenges that may arise.
“For me, there is nothing different in the ABC Motsepe League compared to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and the Betway Premiership. It’s mainly about the approach, obviously, because it’s a lower league. However, at the end of the day, you are working with talent, structure, and a team that is competing in a league. So, there is not much difference,” Mashamaite told FARPost in an exclusive interview.
“But I think there are challenges everywhere, whether you are coaching in the Regional League, NFD, or Betway Premiership. We can’t run away from the fact that challenges have to be faced. When you step out of your house to go to work, the challenge that you may encounter out there is that you may be hit by a car, but that doesn’t stop you from going to your job.
“At the end of the day, you pursue something that you are passionate about and believe that there is a purpose for you to do it.”
WHAT MOTIVATED TEFU MASHAMAITE TO TAKE PHALABORWA UNITED PROJECT
Mashamaite went on to reveal what motivated him to take the Phalaborwa United project.
“You know, it is about my hunger to see Limpopo football grow and turn professional. I played professional football for more than 10 years, and I feel like I have gained enough experience to give back to my beautiful province,” he added.
“I feel like places like Phalaborwa are talent hotspots, and they are just waiting for people with the knowledge who can come and elevate that talent to reach its true potential.”
The Limpopo amateur team has bolstered its squad with former PSL players, including Wiseman Maluleke and Rhulani Manzini, as they aim to secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
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