Every Friday afternoon at 3pm a club of young footballers from Grahamstown known as the The Little Footballers are coached on one of the St Andrews Fields kindly lent to the club by the school.
Every Friday afternoon at 3pm a club of young footballers from Grahamstown known as the The Little Footballers are coached on one of the St Andrews Fields kindly lent to the club by the school.
The coaching is done by Siyabonga Masinda who is a Safa (South African Football Association) trained coach, the head coach of Golden Stars FC, and currently the president of the Makana Local Football Association.
At his side is Sibusiso Mtshali, who is both the manager and the assistant coach of the Little Footballers.
The players, who range in age from 8 to 12 years, are taught a variety of football skills, including heading, taking corners, and at least eight dribbling routines.
These exercises are followed by practice matches in which passing is particularly emphasised- in line with the well known approach adopted by top international coaches that the ball can always be kicked faster that what it can be carried.
The coaches have plans to have regular competitive games on the weekend with teams in the broader Grahamstown area.
It is worth noting also not only are Siyabonga and Sibusiso both fine coaches of the “beautiful game”, they transmit their skills in a caring and empathic manner, which takes note of the various skill levels of the children they work with.
Parents who would like their children to participate in this exciting venture should phone Siyabonga on 073 030 8984 or on Tony 084 258 9701.
