National soccer heroes Lucas Radebe and Portia Modise would like the Betway 12th Man legends coaching course to be spread to the Eastern Cape to empower other soccer legends.
The programme, launched earlier in 2019 by the sports betting company, aims at upskilling former footballers with fundamental coaching and life skills to help them make a difference in their communities and improve their chances of employment.
A total of 10 former footballers have been involved in a six-month programme which will eventually see them graduate with a variety of skills and qualifications.
Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds united captain Radebe, who is the ambassador of the programme, said the initiative would contribute positively in the development of soccer in the country.
“This is absolutely brilliant – I would be really sad if the programme does not go any further around the country,” Radebe said.
“I am very passionate about this. I want it to go to different provinces because it will make a huge impact not only on ex-players, but also the up-and-coming ones.”
Banyana Banyana midfielder Modise shared the sentiments.
“I would love to see Betway continue with the programme because I believe there are many players in need of this.
“It should not end with us.
“They have really created a platform that our legends wish to be part of.“It doesn’t have to end here in Gauteng, there are many other legends from all over the country.“If knowledge is shared with players while they are still in the game I think we will have a better generation of retired players, who would go back and implement the wonderful experience during their playing days.”As part of the course, various industry experts from the fields of coaching, broadcasting, finance and event management were covered.The final module of the programme was a five-day Safa/KNVB D Licence coaching course which started on Monday and will finish on Friday.The entry-level coaching course which was conducted by former Banyana Banyana coach and Mamelodi Sundowns player Augustine Makalakalane, is designed to empower aspiring coaches with tried and tested methods of effective coaching at youth level.Betway also invited Dutch legend and former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens as well as SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo to the course.Modise said the information that she had been exposed to for the past six months would help her to become a good coach.“This week I have learnt how to organise things properly,” she said.“I’ve learnt to always have a plan B and also have a better way of talking to players.“And as a coach you try to push the player at training, not knowing that you are adding more to their worries.“So they taught us those small elements that you need to look into as a coach.”Other legends who were part of the course are Alfred Phiri, Andries Mpondo, Edward Motale, Fikile Sithole, Khabo ZItha, Gloria Hlalele, Sibongile Khumalo, Steve Lekoelea and Steve Sekano.Betway marketing manager David Rachidi said: “From a brand point of view and from the platform itself we have seen a very successful five months.“We have seen 10 ex-Bafana and Banyana players both male and female coming together as one entity.”