It’s 18:08 on a chilly Friday evening in the City of Roses as the Varsity Football newcomers are put through their paces in preparation for an encounter with champions University of Western Cape.
As they begin their cool-down exercises, I swiftly make my way onto the pitch. He recognizes my intention and calmly declares ke tla ho wena ngwaneso [I’ll be with you my brother].
At 41, Petrus Mosai Rakometsi is one of the many young coaches looking for a big break in South African football. With experience in the ABC Motsepe League leading teams such as Mangaung United and Bloemfontein Young Tigers, Rakometsi could consider himself ready for a spot in the higher divisions.
Focused on developing himself, Rakometsi feels that there is a need for access to advanced development courses for upcoming coaches.
“Most of the courses are focused on grassroots football,” says Rakometsi, his focus clear. “I just want to grow as a coach.” Despite promoting CUT to the ABC Motsepe League, the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Witbank Aces midfielder feels that bigger clubs are skeptical of hiring young coaches. At an average age of over 50 in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Rakometsi may be onto something. “The big clubs want papers. Young coaches are not given enough chances.”
While Rakometsi focuses on developing his tactical acumen, he may find inspiration in Kgoloko Thobejane. Thobejane quit his job as a Life Orientation teacher to lead Baroka FC to the PSL.
As the players disappear one after the other, ‘coach Benny’ closes off the interview using a familiar phrase to describe himself: “What you see is what you get.”
By Sam Styrax
