On Friday, Mandla Qhogi, a former development coach for Orlando Pirates,
revealed to the Siya crew the club’s strategy for producing talented young
players. Qhogi, who had been working for the Buccaneers for nearly two
decades, spoke about the collaboration between coaches at the club, from
the senior team to the development team.
“There is a good collaboration between coaches at the club. The first team
head coach, or sometimes it might not be him but an assistant coach, will
come and watch the development team’s training sessions from time to time.
They also come to sit down with the development coaches to discuss about
the players, individually. They would ask which players do the coaches
think are ready to come and train with the first team and we would put the
names forward,” said Qhogi.
The development team coaches are also able to identify players that have
potential to move up to the senior team. During FIFA breaks or when the
first team is away for a match, selected players from the development team
are invited to train with the first team. If any of these players impress,
a message is sent to the first team coach.
With some DStv Diski Challenge matches being televised, it has become even
easier for coaches to watch these players and identify potential talent.
“It makes it even easier for coaches to watch these players,” said Qhogi.
