The Talking League – Episode 2 – Drinks Break

Good Morning/Afternoon Football Lovers!

 

Episode 2 is out now!!

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The Talking League Podcast

Good Day Everybody 😊

An idea that’s been brewing for a while now has finally happened ! We are launching a Podcast/YouTube Channel called “The Talking League”, which will be addressing all things football related. It will be very relaxed in nature and will cover many different topics like VAR decisions, Premier League results from the weekend, biggest transfer rumour’s, just to name a few. What will make it even better is we wont be running off a script and will just talk as that way its meant to be, straight from the heart.

We are open to people joining us on the show as well as sending in your ideas or topics you want covered.

You can follow us on the following platforms/channels

Email:

thetalkingleague@gmail.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCillz_x2eD9t3VLQtfNKkYQ

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thetalkingleague/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thetalkingleague?igshid=4wsf9l80ezfn

Interview with a former player/coach : Matthew Bennie

2019-09-30

Questions Proposed:

Interviewer: Shane Campbell – Amateur Football Coach and Blogger

Guest: Matthew Bennie – Football Coach/Former Player

Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions 

1. When did you first realize that coaching was a passion of yours?

• When I started looking up to Clive Barker , Graham Brisane, and Gordan Igesune during my playing years.
• We naturally feel passion for our sport and its community because both provide a context for experiencing a sense of belonging and purpose, an opportunity for growth, and the pursuit of victory in the face of opposition.
• Having said that, let’s make a distinction between passion and rage, both of which represent great intensity, but for very different reasons. Athletic passion flows freely from a heart of gratitude for the gift of “running the race” so to speak. Rage, on the other hand, stems from a thankless, wounded heart. Rather than seeing sport as a gift to be received and enjoyed, one who plays angry makes demands that his sport give him what it can’t. Take it from one who ran on rage for far too many years.

2. What age groups do you currently coach?

• Currently I’m not coaching, but I started coaching in development ranks age 6 to 14 Years old.
• I then went forward to coach a few Senior teams in Wentworth and Chatsworth (Durban) 

3. What are the typical challenges you face?

• Coaching can be an extremely rewarding experience. However there are times when the coaching relationship can become frustrating to you and/or the coach’s.
• Keeping athletes engaged in their sportand dealing with competing priorities. Creating a fun environment – keeping everyone enjoying their sport. Improving technical and sport specific skills as a coach.

4. How do you plan your sessions in advance and if so what do you base them on?

• Identify a theme for the session
• Identify the skills to be developed
• Map out the training area to suit your chosen activities
• Ensure that you have all the necessary equipment available to you
• Safety is always the priority – Before the session, ensure that the training, area is up to standard. Also ensure that you are not alone when taking any session.
• Decide on the duration of the session – Remember that children learn , quicker if they undertake short intensive progressive sessions rather than , one long session per week

5. Where do you draw inspiration from?

• Like many of you, my passion is the game of soccer. I love everything about it; the tactics of the game, the techniques (and concentration) the game asks a player to perform to solve problems, the movements and athletic qualities required to play the game (at all ages and abilities) and the social bonds and ties the game creates. In particular, I love sharing this with other people as it was once shared with me.  I believe this is why I have found myself in the game still long beyond my playing years. I am truly honored to have the ability to teach and share this game with so many people from such diverse backgrounds.
• My experiences as a player, as a coach and as a fan of the game is what I hope to share with you as the reader. Why I give you a brief background is so you understand why I care and am passionate about the game and what drives the topics I am speaking about.

6. What courses have you been and how beneficial have they been in terms of your coaching techniques?

• I’ve been on a development course and on a competition course
• I’ve won several leagues and cups in Wentworth

7. You have a player in your team who is one of the better players, however his attitude and behaviour towards fellow team mates is below par, how do you approach such a scenario?

• I have a meeting with him and make sure that he understands that soccer is a Team Sport and that he needs to play with his Team instead of playing against them, and if he does this it can better the team.
• I would also explain to him that Good sportsmanship is when people who are playing or watching a sport treat each other with respect

8. What are a few qualities of a “good” coach?

• 
  This quality is particularly important when coaching youth soccer.
• Commitment.
  Put the effort and the time in and you will be rewarded.
• 
  You might not have the necessary technical knowledge however if you are enthusiastic, the players will also be enthusiastic as it is infectious.
• 
  You are in a position where you need to have the trust of the players as well as their parents.
• Open Minded.
  Be able to accept others ideas
• 
  Don’t expect players to be punctual if you cannot. Set the example.
• 
  To be able to make decisions under pressure
• 
  To be able to handle difficult situations that may involve the players or coach.
• Knowledge of how players learn.
  By this I mean, not everyone learns the same way. For example at a soccer training session, if you are demonstrating soccer drills, some players will
  understand the concepts straight away while others will need reinforcing through repetition.

Obviously the right attitude is paramount to enjoying your role and hopefully bringing success.

9. Lastly what advice would you give to young coaches out there who are looking to pursue this as a career?

• It is likely you will begin your career as an assistant coach, as many who work in this occupation do. After gaining the necessary knowledge and experience, you may eventually become a head coach. If you want to compete at the highest levels of a school sport, you will need substantial experience as a head or assistant coach at a smaller school. Head coaches at larger schools that strive to compete at the highest levels of a sport require substantial experience at another school. Coaching a professional sports team requires years of experience and a winning record in the lower ranks

Depending on how passionate you are about teaching the sport and the willingness to learn from your peers, it’s also what you make of it that makes coaching fruitful.

 

 

Thank you so much Matthew for your time. I do believe that if your answers at least touch one coach’s heart or address some of his questions then we have succeeded.

Interview with a Former Professional Footballer – Clement Mazibuko

2019-06-10

Questions Proposed:

Interviewer: Shane Campbell – Amateur Football Coach and Blogger

Guest: Clement Mazibuko – Former South African Footballer & Current Coach

Firstly I would like to thank yourself for giving me this opportunity. I truly do appreciate it

1. When did you first realize that you wanted to become a professional footballer?

 It was at a very young age of 11 years, when my then coach realized that i was talented and encouraged me to work even harder because I had a potential of becoming a professional player one day       

2. When you were playing competitively, what was a normal day for you like?

 Playing competitively/professional football demands a lot of discipline so I would train twice a day, in the morning and afternoon and rest well during the day and eat healthy

3. What is your driving motivation to continuously give 150%?

I was always working hard to better my life as I was coming from a disadvantaged background/family, so that kept me motivated 

4. Who were some of the players that you used to look up to while growing up?

There were a couple of players but ones that tops the list was Doctor Khumalo and Diego Maradona 

5. How did you relax when you were away from football?

 There is so much travelling involved when you are a professional footballer so I would make sure i spent my off season with family and friends

6. You had the privilege of representing your country as well as scoring a goal for them, explain that experience to me

That is one of the most memorable highlights of my career, representing my country and to score a goal on my debut was more special and I still pride myself to this day. It is every sportsman’s dream to represent their country 

7. Lastly what advice would you give to kids out there who are looking at pursuing a career in football and what challenges they should expect?

Anything in life is possible and never ever doubt yourself, talent alone is never enough but success comes with lots of hard work and compromises. Football is a beautiful sport that you can make a career out of yet its not a long term one, you need to complement it with education 

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. I do believe it will be beneficial to all out there who love the game. If all we do is just touch one child’s life out there that already is a great achievement.

 

Interview with a coach – Chad Kan

2019-03-26

Questions Proposed:

Interviewer: Shane Campbell – Amateur Football Coach and Blogger

Guest: Chad Kan – Amateur Football Coach

 

Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions

 

Hi Shane, thank you for the opportunity to do so and for having me.

 

 

• When did you first realize that coaching was a passion of yours?

 

        I started out coaching around 6 years ago with boys aged U9-U12 and then I had the opportunity to take on an U/14 team 3 years ago. From that time on-wards, I felt that this would be something I considered as my passion. The feeling it gives me when I am on the field with my boys (who are now in their 3rd year with me) and the feeling you have when you can see the difference and character built, the improvement and maturity gained, that is when I realized it has become my passion in life.

 

• What age group do you currently coach?

 

    I currently coach the U/17 Super-league team at Benoni Northerns FC

 

• What are the typical challenges you face?

 

    It has become very evident, that during this stage of the boys life, that the hormones are shooting out from all angles and having control over them has been has been tough however we have had a good mutual understanding over the past few years. It is great to see them mature and change from young boys into young men.

 

 

• Do you plan your sessions in advance and if so what do you base them on?

 

    I plan my sessions ahead of time, based on my coaching style for the benefit of the boys general team dynamics and what I focus on a day to day basis. I then also focus on pre-match sessions as well as post match sessions and where we need to improve and where we may have gone wrong in a game. You also take the positives and work on them to be impeccable in where your team can exploits teams going forward.

     

 

• Where do you draw inspiration from?  

 

    I definitely take inspiration from how teams actually get things right during games and how I can implement it in my tactics etc. I look up to coaches like Pep Guardiola (tactical mastermind) and the likes of Didier Deschamps (building on something great and ofcourse seeing success at the highest levels), Sir Alex Ferguson (27 years of phenomenal work on a changing team and always producing results) and Mauricio Pochettino on how he has taken a young squad and built on them.

 

• You recently took part in the BCC U-17 Pre-Season tournament and came out victors, surely that’s a great way to start things off. What was your message to your players before the game and how do you take that energy into the upcoming season?

 

   

    I always believe that the boys should first and foremost believe in the football we have worked on in training and then they need to believe in themselves as well as in each other. I always tell them to have confidence in the way they play and to do the basics right and to keep structure, the goals will then follow, goals are bonuses and are a result of good attitude and belief in the way you play.

 

    I cannot express how it gives you such pride and joy seeing the boys come out with the goods at the end of the day. Their faces light up and that lights your heart up as a coach. We will work hard in training and take that positivity into our first game and build on the season game by game.

 

• You have a player in your team who is one of the better players, however his attitude and behaviour towards fellow team mates is below par, how do you approach such a scenario?

 

    You of course cannot be disrespectful in any way, however as the coach you have to subtly drill it in the player that he is not the team and there is 10 other players on that field. That player must understand that if there is no cohesion on that mental capacity then there will never be that magic that is consistent. Luckily for us, I mean there are boys with a bigger ego than others, but we are a tight-knit family and I have made sure they know their place in the team.

 

 

• What is a few qualities of a “good” coach?

 

    Level headed, be able to convey your message and tactics on a level that everyone can understand, respect for everyone and the ability to listen and be a figure anybody can go to with any problem and be comfortable to talk too, don’t be that scary coach but be stern. I truly hope I have been able to use these qualities in order to be there for them and progress the way they think and handle themselves in life and on the field, I want to be a life coach for these boys as I have so much love for them.

 

 

• Lastly what advice would you give to other young coaches out there who are looking to pursue this as a career?

 

   

    I believe that coaching is not for everyone, however if you find that this is your passion and you can handle it, you will forever and eternally have something that will bring you a certain joy some things could never ever do in a unique way. If you want to coach, be prepared for the endless task of being on the ball, being a helping hand and always be ready for there are many challenges you will face. That being said, I believe there are very few career paths in life that can be as rewarding as coaching, on many levels and along the way you will see and meet many people, players and have best friends for life. I hope you can make your mark one day.

Thank you so much Chad for your time. I do believe that if your answers at least touch one coach’s heart or address some of his questions then we have succeeded.

To strike or not to strike

Good Morning Fans,

Welcome back to my blog post and this is my first one for the new year. I hope you are all well rested and refreshed!

Today we going to be discussing Strikers. If your team has an out and out striker, 9 times out 10 he is going to be winning you games . What makes a good striker? Today’s game has evolved so much that most attacking midfielders put themselves in positions to score just like the strikers but still lack the “stealth and fight” a old school striker has.

I found another good article and thought id share it with you here: (link to article https://soccer20skills.com/2470/8-simple-secrets-takes-become-top-striker/ )

1. Your touch

Even the best players in the world work on their touch day in day out. This is essential if you want to pursue the job of a striker. To have a ‘good touch’ you must be able to control the ball quickly.

To improve this simple but effective skill you could find a wall and practise kicking the ball off the wall with one foot and controlling it with the other. It is important that you use both feet because in a competitive game you will have to be comfortable using both of your feet to control the ball. To start off, kick the ball softly off the wall. As you get better increase the power of your pass to test your ability. I assure you, if you practise this everyday your touch will improve massively.

2. Shooting

Shooting is absolute key for a striker. As a striker, this is the number one skill you will have to have if you want to be a successful striker. If you don’t shoot you don’t score.

When shooting, you must have your body over the ball. If you lean back, the ball will fly over the bar into the sky. It’s all good hitting screamers into the top corners of the ball but we are honest you are more likely to beat the keeper from a low, powerful shot.

To practice this essential skill, you should find a goal. Stand about 20 yards away from the goal and practice striking the ball with power aiming for the bottom corners. As you get better dribble with the ball and follow up with a good low, powerful strike. Also, ask one of your friends to go in goal and use him as a goalkeeper. This will make it more like a real game.

3. Comfortable on the ball (hold up play)

As a striker, being comfortable on the ball will determine of you can play at the very top. If you are comfortable on the ball this means you will rarely lose possession for your team and you can also ease the pressure off the rest of the team if you can keep the ball comfortably.

Hold up play means you will come short for the ball dragging the defenders out of positon. This will hopefully create space in behind. This will most likely trigger your team mates to explore the space and run into it. This will hopefully create a goal scoring opportunity. A team that enforces this is Chelsea. If you watch their team, Diego Costa (Striker) will come short and receive the ball to his feet. This always creates space behind the defence for players like Eden Hazard (Wide Midfielder) to exploit. As you hold the ball up top, you must have good support upfront with you to perfect this sort of move.

A good tip is to always be in front of the defender so he doesn’t nip the ball off you. You also have got to be aware of your surroundings, make sure you know who is around you weather it’s a defender or a team mate.

4. Heading

Heading is also important skill of you want to be a good striker. All of the best strikers can score with their head. You are likely to get a couple of good crosses from your wide midfielders in a competitive game and if you cannot head there are some golden opportunities wasted.

You can practise this by getting three friends together. You should find a goal and set up this drill. One person should occupy the job of the goalkeeper and the other as the ‘thrower’. The thrower will stand next to the goal and they will throw you the ball head height and you will have to head the ball past the goalkeeper. Once you have got good at this, the thrower will turn into the crosser. They will cross a ball into your head for you to head it into the goal. If you practice this often your heading ability will increase quickly.

5. Movement

You have got to have good movement as a striker. The best example of this is Sergio Agüero. He has fantastic movement. He runs the opposing defender’s crazy with his movement, he always seems to get in behind.

If you make, positive runs forward this could result into a goal if your midfielder can find the correct pass. Be intelligent with your runs. Make sure you stay onside. A tip is to run along the defensive line until the pass is played. You could also make intelligent runs into the attacking midfield positon to disrupt opponents defence and formation. Take players away from their positon will create space in behind the defenders.

6. Finishing

Finishing is a little different to shooting. Finishing requires more technique and composure. Too many striker try to ‘smash’ the ball into the net instead of the simple option of slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

There are not many ways to practise this. Game time is essential for this important skill. However, a good, solid touch is important. Another thing which is important is decision making. The decision of chipping the keeper, slotting and placing the ball into the goal or smashing the ball past the keeper is important.

7. Skill

This is a bonus as you can still be a successful striker without being skilful. If you are as skilful player this can get you out of the sticky situations you could find yourself in. For example, if you find yourself surrounded by defenders you could solve the situation by a simple ‘Cruyff turn’.

To perfect your skills, you should be doing the soccer 20 skills every day.

8. Dribbling

In a game, you could find yourself alone with a striker with lots of space in front of you. You should be looking to beat the player. Dribble the ball to penetrate the defence to create a goal scoring opportunity.

Having the ability to dribble past opponents is certainly attractive and a person who is a perfect example is of course Lionel Messi. He glides past players easily and this is mainly because of his class dribbling ability. The best forwards when dribbling use small touches, slowly nudging it forward. This allows you to keep the ball in close control, reducing the risk of getting tackled. As the ball is under close control it gives you the ability to cut or turn if necessary.

When practising move the ball around in all directions keeping the ball close to your foot. Start of slowly and increase the speed once you feel comfortable. You could set out some cones and dribble around them changing direction often.

Examples of good modern strikers: Benzema, Kane, Firmino, Aguero, Lewandoski, Suarez and Ronaldo just to name a few

 

Interview with a Professional Footballer – Daniel Cardoso – Kaizer Chiefs

2018-11-05

Questions Proposed:

Interviewer: Shane Campbell – Amateur Football Coach and Blogger

Guest: Daniel Cardoso – Professional Footballer for Kaizer Chiefs F.C

Firstly I would like to thank yourself for giving me this opportunity. I truly do appreciate it

1. When did you first realise that you had what it takes to become a professional footballer?

 It was always my dream to play professional  football since I was a little boy and at the age of 12 I started playing for all the academy sides and started going overseas, when I was 15 I was already playing with older age groups like under 17’s and under 19’s making the South Africa squad at those levels… 

 

2. What is a typical day like for you?

Now being at the top and being a pro athlete my day consists of training sometimes twice a day and if I train once a day I go to the gym and do my own training, but rest is also very important so some afternoons after training sessions I will have a nap to recover 

 

3. What is your driving motivation to continuously give 150%?

My driving motivation is my family I have to provide for them and make sure that I have a roof over there head, and obviously also playing football is my passion if you don’t have passion for the game then it’s not for you! 

 

4. What does it feel like to represent your country at an International Level?

Representing your country at any level is an achievement, it’s a dream come true putting on that jersey and playing for your country! There are so many people to represent and God gave you a talent to show it! 

 

5. How do you relax away from football?

For me when I am away from football it’s time with my family and going away on trips and doing my personal hobby of fishing just takes my mind off of everything being out in nature and relaxing not stressing about football… 

 

6. Lastly what advice would you give to kids out there who are looking at pursuing a career in football and what challenges they should expect?

My advice for the young ones out there is as follows, get through your STUDIES as it’s very important cause football is such a short career and doesn’t last forever! It has a lot of sacrifices and you must be willing to give a lot up for example going out with friends drinking smoking drugs all of that has to be cut out to become a professional athlete! Always follow your dreams and once you have reached them never look back keep looking forward and remember nothing is impossible

Interview with a manager – Enrique Juanas-Uriol

2018-10-22

Questions Proposed:

Interviewer: Shane Campbell – Amateur Football Coach and Blogger

Guest: Enrique Juanas-Uriol – Manager-Benoni Northerns Colts Super-league  

 

Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and congratulate you on winning the double this season with your side (League and Cup Winners).

 

1. Was it a big step up for you and your team moving into the Colts Super league division this season?

 

The u19 Super League is a most competitive competition, with quality opponents and many closely contested matches. But we were ready for the challenge given that the majority of the players in our team this season formed part of the 2017 squad which won the ELFA Colts league.

 

2. The log shows just how dominant you guys were, when did you start believing the league was for the taking?

 

The log is most deceiving and does not reflect the true picture, yes we did lead for most of the season, but with three games remaining, we were only 2 points ahead of the team lying in 2^nd position and we still had to play them away from home. When beating this team 3-2 with the winning goal coming in the last 5 minutes, we knew the league was ours.     

 

3. What are the typical challenges you face within a season with players?

 

• Players missing training because of schooling and studying commitments (which for obvious reasons must come 1st).
• Injuries to key individuals.
• Transport issues.
• Maintaining the players focus and intensity over a 9 month period.
• Keeping those none regular starters interested / committed.
• Disciplinary issues.

 

4. Do you plan your training sessions in advance and if so what do you base them on?

 

All our training sessions are planned in advance and include components of aerobic, technical and tactical work geared to maintain fitness levels, improve shortcomings and work on how we are going to play against and try beat our next opponents.  

 

5. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Family, friends, players, club and work colleagues. 

 

6. The cup final was intense and went down to the wire in penalties, was this something that was being practised building up to the final?

 

Most definitely, we practise penalties throughout the season, but more so before cup rounds.

 

7. Lastly what advice would you give to young coaches out there who are looking to pursue this as a career?

Take it seriously, work at it, gather as much knowledge and experience as possible, obtain formal qualifications and get your various coaching badges.

Photo Credit : Logan Green

5 mistakes soccer parents make with their players

Hey Guys,

I found another interesting little read that is brilliant and targets an area most coaches do not like to venture into or have been there before . I have copied the piece and pasted it here below along with the link to the original contents website

 

1. They don’t encourage their player to make mistakes

It seems contradictory, but yes, we want players to make mistakes…this is how they learn best! With so much focus on mastering skills and winning matches, not enough players put themselves out there to take risks. A wise colleague of mine always tells her players to “Be brave. Make mistakes.”

Most kids want the approval of their parent and coach, and they need to know you encourage this and you will applaud the fact that they tried, even if they fail. Because ultimately, they don’t fail. They learn something from that moment that is invaluable and that will help them grow as a player and as a person.

Instead of the kid who passes the ball all the time because they are afraid to take on a player 1v1, the brave player will learn when it’s best to dribble and when it’s best to pass, without hesitation or fear.

2. They fight battles that aren’t theirs to fight

Have you ever approached a coach about how your kid didn’t get enough playing time? I can tell you right now that this is the conversation every coach hates to have with a parent, and it likely won’t help your child in any way. Instead, encourage your player to take ownership of their game and their development as a player.

They should (at a certain age) be the one to approach the coach if they have a question or concern. I promise you this will go over better with the coach, will likely result in more useful information, and it will also teach your child a number of lessons that can be applied to their life on and off the field.

3. They don’t engage their players in the development process

How much do you know about what your player is working on during training? I encourage you to find out! This doesn’t mean calling up the coach or club and asking for their practice plans.

Instead, engage your child in a conversation about skills or ideas that they’re learning and what they find challenging. This can also lead to helping your player set personal goals in their own development.

4. They coach and cheer for the wrong things on game day

We’ve all heard that parent on the sideline scream “Shoot it!” or “Pass it!” Maybe it’s you. It’s natural to want to help your player on the field, but this does not help. This is a parent who is guilty of both No. 1 and No. 3. These directions can cause anxiety for a player already under pressure on the field. In fact, they may even directly contradict what their coach has instructed them to do.

 

Even if you are a USSF A-licensed coach, do not coach on the sidelines unless you are the coach of that particular team. Instead, stick to basic encouragement and cheering. Did you find out (after engaging your kid in the development process) that your child is working on mastering a specific move during training, or building confidence in using their left foot? If you see them do that in a game, go crazy and let them know you saw them try it.

5. They analyze the game with their player afterwards

What is your postgame ritual with your child? Do you start analyzing the game and what your player did right or wrong before you even get in the car? Believe me – your child knows what they did wrong. If they don’t, it’s likely their coach or a teammate has already told them.

The best thing you can say to your player after a game is how much fun you had watching them. If they engage you in a postgame talk, go for it. But instead of a full-game analysis, try picking out some things they did in the game that you know he or she has been working on.

 

https://www.soccerwire.com/blog-posts/five-mistakes-soccer-parents-make-with-their-players/

Interview with a 1st Year Professional Footballer – Harry Kite – Exeter City FC

Good Day Fans,

It gives me great pride to share with you an interview I was able to do with 1st year professional footballer from Exeter City FC based in England – Harry Kite (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Kite)

 

2018-09-10

Questions Proposed:

Interviewer: Shane Campbell – Amateur Football Coach and Blogger

Guest: Harry Kite

Firstly I would like to thank yourself for giving me this opportunity. I truly do appreciate it

1. When did you first realise that you wanted to become a professional footballer? When I was in school and I used to watch a lot of football watching my idols. I was also school captain so that gave me great confidence to improve 

2. What is a typical day like for you? Arrive at 10:00, stretching and mobility 10:00 – 10:30, training 11:00 – 13:00 , stretch recovery and lunch 13:00 – 14:00 , gym 15:00 – 16:00

3. What is your driving motivation to continuously give 150%? Knowing that if I give 100% and try my hardest all the time that I can become the best player that i possibly can be

4. Who is your current role model that you look up to? I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is always the first player in training and the last to leave

6. How do you relax away from football? I try to keep busy doing jobs and I am trying to retake a test that i failed a while ago
7. Lastly what advice would you give to kids out there who are looking at pursuing a career in football and what challenges they should expect? Take every chance that they can get, whether its a training session or a match. Always give 100% and never ever give up!