While some may consider Life Orientation (LO) a waste of time, Jiyaad Petersen,15, from Tafelsig and a Grade 11 pupil at Rocklands High, says it’s his favourite subject.
Hardly surprising, considering it contains elements that promote a healthy and productive life, social engagement, recreation and of course, physical activity, just what’s needed to become a better coach.
An avid fitness enthusiast and girls’ soccer coach, Jiyaad, recently became the city’s youngest Safa Confederation of African Football (CAF) D licence holder that allows him to train children and youth at LFA level.
Baby steps, by all accounts, but a step in the right direction nonetheless, says former SA under-17 national coach Duncan Crowie, who supervised the three-week course.
A star striker during his playing career, Crowie, a former head of youth development at the now-defunct Ajax Cape Town and assistant coach at his former club Santos FC, knows a thing or two about working with youngsters. “Of course it’s a bit unusual to have someone this young going after a coaching qualification, but if they’ve got the passion, why not,” he said.
One of three soccer-mad siblings, the young coach has been involved with the game from an early age, starting out with Seringa Spurs in the Mitchell’s Plain LFA at the age of five.
Like most young players, he also had dreams of becoming a professional footballer, but the soccer gods had other plans in store.
Two years ago, the youngster was part of a touring group that travelled to England and had the opportunity to visit Old Trafford, home of Manchester United; Anfield, home to Liverpool; and caught a Champions League fixture at the Etihad Stadium between hosts Manchester City and FC Copenhagen.
Upon his return, his focus shifted to coaching, as he established a neighbourhood fitness programme marking the beginning of his interest in girls’ soccer.
The fitness group was really a no-brainer as he’s no stranger to doing community work and being involved with community projects thanks to his stint as a Junior City Council member.
Jiyaad and his young charges soon found a soccer home at Maitland-based FN Rangers St Agnes whom he joined in October last year to help strengthen the club’s girls’ soccer programme.
“To be honest I never ever thought of being a football coach in my entire life, I just wanted to be a professional soccer player,” he said.
“But once more girls started joining the programme, the more I found myself developing an interest in women’s football,” he said.
“When I arrived at FN Rangers, they immediately sent me to get my D licence. Now I need to coach a season before I can go for my C licence,” he said.
Rangers head coach Arreshaat Daniels has nothing but praise for the young coach. “The first time I met Jiyaad, I was blown away by his enthusiasm, willingness to learn and passion for football, most notably women’s football,” he said.
“For now his focus is on our under-16 girls’ team but I have no doubt that he will one day be one of the top coaches in this country,” he said.
Jiyaad’s enthusiasm also caught the eye of Athlone personal trainer and Banyana Banyana strength and conditioning coach, Ridhaa Allie, who met him during a training session for aspiring soccer players a few years ago.
“He had a lot of potential to become a very good footballer. I remember watching him during a training session, the way he would move to the ball and the way his IQ was for a young footballer. It was very good to see and as a coach, nice to work with because, he understood football from a very young age.
“I think Jiyaad has done the right thing by going to do his CAF D because it’s easy just to coach players but not actually understand and have the theory to know why you coaching and to make footballers better. As coaches, that is our job,” said Allie.
Despite its rewards, coaching can be a thankless task at times, but, says Jiyaad, he’s up for the challenge.
“What stresses me out at all times is game prep. How prepared am I for a game? But, I don’t mind, pressure is healthy, so when there is pressure on me, it makes me do my things better,” he said.
(Blurb) For more information, call 074 322 7013.
