Premier Soccer League [PSL] match official Jelly Chavani has opened up about his deep-rooted passion for guiding aspiring young footballers in his home village of Chavani, Limpopo.
While top-tier domestic action takes a back seat during the current FIFA international break, Chavani has shifted his focus back to community football. He spent the break taking charge of his local club, Chavani Shining Stars, at the annual Mabena Soccer Challenge held at Ha-Mashamba village.
The 30-year-old PSL match officialโwho also serves on the FIFA panel of international refereesโhas been closely involved with the SAFA Vhembe Hollywoodbets Regional League side for the past four years.
FARPost caught up with Chavani following Chavani Shining Stars’ quarter-final exit from the tournament on Thursday afternoon. Reflecting on his role on the bench, Chavani clarified that his involvement is less about technical tactics and more about personal mentorship.
WHY JELLY CHAVANI SEES HIMSELF AS A GUARDIAN TO ASPIRING FOOTBALLERS IN LIMPOPO
“Sometimes it’s not basically coaching, because I don’t think I am a coach,” Chavani told FARPost. “Sometimes I just take responsibility to guide them. I think that’s how it leads one to be their guardian. In fact, I am just their guardian. I cannot say coach.”
For Chavani, stepping up to support the club was an easy choice when local football structures needed active leadership.
“It’s been some years helping the team,” he explained. “Remember, it’s a village project and it had been stuck between the lines where people didn’t want to account for the team, one should say so. For the past four years, I have been with these boys, supporting them whenever I am free. So at the end of the day, it’s my responsibility.”
PSL REFEREE HAPPY WITH MATCH OFFICIATING AT A LOCAL TOURNAMENT
Known for his passionate presence on the touchline during local games, Chavani was jokingly asked about his interactions with match officials. Responding with a smile, the PSL referee insisted he remains focused solely on guiding his players rather than questioning his refereeing peers.
“Of course not, I don’t get involved,” Chavani remarked. “I always fight with my players; with the decisions of the referees, I can never be involved. I felt they did very well.”
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