Newly appointed Black Leopards co-coach Sundra Govender has revealed what makes Abdeslam Ouaddou a great coach to work with, sharing key insights into their partnership.
Govinder and Ouaddou worked together at Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants for five months before the latter left to join Orlando Pirates.
Govinder, a former Kaizer Chiefs development coach, also left the club at the beginning of the current season.
While Ouaddou is in pursuit of a league title with the Buccaneers—having already secured a double in the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup—Govender has recently joined relegation-threatened Black Leopards as a co-coach alongside Duncan Lechesa.
Speaking to FARPost, Govender shared some insights into why Ouaddou is able to get the best out of both his players and his technical staff.
NEW BLACK LEOPARDS COACH SHARES WORKING EXPERIENCE WITH ABDESLAM OUADDOU
Govender reveals that his greatest takeaway from Ouaddou was the art of elite man-management. While the tactical side of the game is vital, Govender learned that a coach’s true success stems from how they treat their personnel.
“He’s a very good man manager of people. So there was a good relationship with coach Ouaddou and us, you know,” Govinder told this publication.
“But a man managing people, he’s a superstar. Tactics, he has his own qualities, and you can see. He’s a gentleman of the game and knows how to treat people, and he appreciates everyone who’s with him. You know, you just want to be respected in your space, and he does that very well. But he is a good guy.”
WHY SUNDRA GOVINDER COMPARES THE CURRENT NFD LOG SITUATION WITH THAT OF GALLANTS
Meanwhile, with Leopards currently at the bottom of the log and only 13 matches remaining in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Govender reflected on his time at his previous club, Gallants. Recalling his stint as assistant to Ouaddou, he insisted that survival is still possible.
“Last season, when Duncan and I were at Marumo Gallants with coach Ouaddou, remember the club was also down there,” added Govinder.
“On the last day [of the season], our draw with Magesi FC, if we had won the game, we would have been in the top eight from relegation. So nothing is impossible.”
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