Coaches Corner | Coach Interview: PARADISE MOEKETSI
ETS would like to introduce you to PARADISE MOEKETSI (Head Of Youth At ETS). We are extra excited to have Coach PARADISE as he is one of our own. This week in the COACHES CORNER, Coach Paradise shares some insights and his coaching journey so far.
Q: CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF INTRO ABOUT YOURSELF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE:
I started coaching at a very early age 14 or 15 when I was playing with my friends and I use to stay out and coach the team. I was very organized person and wanted to learn as much about the game as I could from there I started development in Soweto and other areas to help players become better. I am one of the founder members of SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE. I have been fortunate enough to have worked in a lot of different professional setups including be a national coach for SA UNIVERSITIES team. Currently this will be my third year at Education Through Soccer
Q: WHAT IS YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DID YOU CREATE YOUR PHILOSOPHY?
A: To teach players how to execute the proper skills/techniques and allow players to play the game where they are comfortable to express themselves because they feel comfortable in their abilities and understanding of the game.
Q: IN YOUR OPINION WHAT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL SKILL FOR A PLAYER/COACH TO MASTER?
A: Firstly they must have passion, the desire to learn and want to become better. Respect others around them and be coachable. They must understand the game and keep an open mind to learn new ideas/trends.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE NEW COACHES STARTING THEIR COACHING JOURNEY?
A: Never stop learning. Interact with as many coaches as you can and always see yourself growing and wanting to become better
Q: HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE DIFFERENT ABILITIES OF PLAYERS WITHIN YOUR SQUADS?
A: Always know your players and their abilities. Deal with them individually then progress to the group and then the team as a whole.
Q: HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH SET BACKS (POOR PERFORMANCES, INJURIES, LOSING, ETC)?
A: No coach wants to lose a game or a player through injury unfortunately its part of the game and you cannot make it a personal problem. Through your coaching journey you will experience this and you need to asses the situation and come up with the best solution to take the team forward.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM FOOTBALL?
A: With time and the correct coaching and managing of a players every player can improve and become better and I think its the same with life and any field if you want to become better at something you can, you just need to invest time in it.
Q: WHICH COACH/MANAGER INSPIRES YOU?
A: Every coach inspires me there is something to learn from every coach. Two coaches that stand out for me though is ARSENE WENGER from ARSENAL and ERIC TINKLER from CAPETOWN CITY
