Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League semi-final exit was a bitter pill to swallow, as we had expected them to go all the way this time around. We can never over emphasise the importance of having our teams doing well in continental football, as that helps our national team. Tough luck to coach Rhulani Mokwena and his team. On the domestic front, we are all looking forward to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals this weekend and it will be interesting to see who will be making the much-anticipated final. I would like to wish all four teams everything of the best in their games.
Doc answers your questions…
Please don't forget to send your questions to editor@soccerladuma.co.za for now until further notice.
Danny Moreo wants to know what advice I would give to Kaizer Chiefs' new coach who is expected to be unveiled at some point.
It is difficult to say what one would say to the coach, without knowing the identity of the new coach. However, I'm pretty sure the club will sit down with whoever they agree to bring on board and discuss their vision and that should give the coach all the advice he needs. Other than that, the coach should already know that the club has not been doing well for seasons now, which means the expectations are high because the supporters deserve much better. There is already a lot of pressure on the coach because Chiefs have to start competing for silverware and restore their cup pedigree. It is unheard of for this massive club to go for almost a decade without celebrating any piece of silverware. This long trophy drought has to come to an end because it has been going on for too long.
Being Doc
We all have people who played a role in shaping us into who we are today. We must never make the mistake of forgetting about them because they made us who we are. Whenever we meet up with them, let's show love, respect and appreciation. When such people meet you and embrace you, then it means there is something you are doing right.
Coaches I've worked with: Most of our readers will be surprised…
This week, let me tell you about one of the most underrated coaches we have in our country, Allan Freese. This is one of the former professional footballers who transitioned into coaching and made a significant contribution to the Beautiful Game long after his playing career. I was so privileged to get to know this gentleman as his brother, Howard, was my teammate at Kaizer Chiefs. These are two very humble brothers who have given so much to our football. When I happened to start spending more time with Allan, it was after our retirement as we started doing coaching courses together. We went all the way to do the SAFA Pro Licence together and I got to know this guy much better over the years. Not many people know that Allan can speak Zulu fluently!
I'm sure most of our readers will be surprised to learn that today. Allan is an interesting character, and it is a pity that our paths never really crossed on the field of play that much. Being in the same industry meant we would meet up every now and then. I got to know and understand this man better through the coaching courses and he proved to be just as wonderful as his brother, Howard, was. What a gentleman! A knowledgeable individual and someone who, together with his brother, kept the Freese name in the game and represented them with nothing but pride.
Even though the two brothers differ in character, like even twins do, they have a lot in common. Allan has got a funny side to him and enjoys cracking a joke from time to time. His journey and the reason I decided to talk about him is because of this man's contribution to our football, both as a footballer and a coach. He's coached a number of teams at different levels, and we have so many players who have come through his coaching over the years. Allan's passion and loyalty have always been with Highlands Park! No matter where he goes, he somehow always finds his way back home. I'm sure most of our readers and football supporters identify him with Highlands Park more than any other team in the country.
This just goes to show that there is a special bond between him, Chairman Larry Brookstone and everyone at The Lions of the North. When I see Allan and his Chairman, it is clear to notice that theirs is more than just a Coach-and-Chairman relationship goes far beyond that. I saw Highlands Park in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 when they held Sekhukhune United to a 1-1 draw and lost 5-4 on penalties. They were still coached by Allan, and it was good to see that he continues to play such an exciting brand of football because that's what we all know him for. The man loves the game of football and he's not one of those people who are chasing the limelight. He just goes about his business quietly and you only see the fruit of his labour talking for him. He remains humble and focused on the job at hand. I'm happy that he is always happy and feels appreciated at Highlands, otherwise he wouldn't keep coming back to the club. That's what every coach needs.
Doc's memory bank: That really warmed my heart
I remember bumping into him recently in Highlands North, where the team is training. They were having a meal after training, which was around 18h00, and I was there for a workshop with local coaches from rural areas. As soon as I noticed him, I just walked up to his table to greet him and the respect he showed me was out of this world. He stopped eating, stood up and greeted me before we embraced each other. That man gave me all the attention in the world and that really warmed my heart because I had not seen this man in a long time.
You know, I even apologised for keeping him away from his food for so long because it didn't feel good, but the man had no problem at all. He had a lot of good things to say about me, as if that meeting was planned, while I was also giving him his flowers while he could still smell them. When I got home, I still couldn't get over what had happened on that dinner table. I felt so emotional, thinking about the things this man had to say about me and the fact that I finally had an opportunity to tell him exactly how I feel about him as a human being and the impact he has had in our football. It was an unforgettable moment, and I was really humbled and touched by his words. I always believe that nothing happens without a reason.
When I walked into that building, I had no idea that Allan and his team were still there, so everything happened so randomly. Imagine disturbing someone having dinner with his colleagues just because you wanted to show him love by greeting him, only for that interaction to take more than 20 minutes? This man had no problem with any of that and I really want to appreciate and show love to this gentleman. Despite being underrated, coach Allan continues to focus on what he can control, which is his coaching abilities and influence on the Beautiful Game.
You hardly hear anything said about him when people discuss our coaches. When it comes to development, you will find this man driving around in search of young talent and he nurtures it so well. Whether he is a first team coach, Allan never loses sight of the importance of development. Remember the Highlands Park team that had the likes of Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile, Lindokuhle Mbatha and others, coach Allan was there and look at what some of his players have gone to achieve in their careers.
Look at their longevity in the game and it shows the solid foundation that was laid by coaches like Allan. I must give credit to this man while he is still around, so that he knows he is being appreciated. Not even once have I experienced this man in a negative way. He's always about positivity, even when he gets frustrated on the touchline, he remains calm and professional. We really need coaches like Allan in our football. You know, one of the special things about this gentleman is that he doesn't get enticed easily. He's committed and loyal to those who appreciate him. He is also happy to polish unknown diamonds and allow them to go to greener pastures when they get opportunities, with little to nothing said about his hard work in preparing them. Without people like Allan, a lot of our big teams would struggle to survive because they would not have many options for top quality players.
Not all the coaches have done what this man has done but the most important thing is how he has never changed. He always works with what he has at his disposal, without any new recruits or a blank cheque book. What you are doing for South African football doesn't go unnoticed, coach Allan. I salute you, coach and brother! Keep up the good work. I know I have a special place in your heart just like you do in mine.
Doc's Friend Zone
When you talk about Allan, like I said, he is different to his brother and my former teammate, Howard. But two of the characteristics that they share are their humility and calm demeanor. When we were doing the SAFA courses as well as the CAF A Licence, he proved to be this humble and generous colleague who always wants the best for everyone. He always shared information and encouraged everyone around him. This man shared a lot of good memories with all of us and taught me a lot of things I didn't know about. There was always something to learn from this man. He always shared ideas that will improve not only our coaching but ourselves as human beings as well. What a gentleman and an interesting character to engage with. It doesn't matter what you are talking about, this man always has words of wisdom about any topic of discussion. It isn't everyday that you meet someone, and they remain the same even after a decade or so. This is the Allan I have known since our youth days and he remains the same person even in his extensive coaching career. I celebrate every moment spent with coach Allan and I want him to know that he is really appreciated. Thank you for being a wonderful friend, brother and colleague. Had it not been for your eye for talent, some of our current and former players would have missed the opportunity to make it professional. We would have missed out on those talents, which is why I believe you are one of the most underrated coaches in the country. Thank you for everything, Allan.
