Newly appointed Marumo Gallants coach Dylan Kerr has introduced a proactive approach to address and potentially resolve the misunderstandings and disputes that arise among football coaches in South Africa.
During a media briefing in Sandton, Kerr proposed regular meetings among coaches as a solution.
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Reflecting on incidents like the public spat last season between former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic, Kerr suggested that structured, periodic meetings could foster better understanding and cooperation among coaches.
"There are a lot of misunderstandings at times amongst us as coaches. We should have a coaches meetings now and again. At least every two or three months so. We have to share ideas and learn from each other. You know I am a member of the League Coaches Association and I pay my subscription every year and I attend the meetings. You see these meetings can help the misunderstanding like that one between Rulani (Mokwena) and the TS Galaxy coach (Sead Ramovic). As coaches, if opposition teams we are not enemies at all and we need to work together. We need to respect each other. That has to stop," Kerr observed.
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Mokwena has since left South Africa to coach Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, but Kerr's point is relevant to relationships throughout the PSL.
Kerr emphasized the importance of these meetings for sharing ideas and reinforcing the notion that, despite competitive tensions, coaches are not adversaries but colleagues who share a common goal of advancing the sport. In addition to promoting better relations among coaches, Kerr is also passionate about community engagement and youth development. As Marumo Gallants prepare to relocate to Bloemfontein, he plans to encourage his players to actively participate in local coaching initiatives.
"I want to see players going out to schools with about 29 balls and cones and train the kids there. Whether they will go as one or two or a group but they should develop the area and the communities where we will be based. Some will be understanding while others will be unwelcoming but we have to reach out. I used to do it when we were in Polokwane. I used to go to schools and coach kids and we have to continue that trend even in the Free State," Kerr concluded.
This community outreach, according to Kerr, not only helps develop football at the grassroots level but also strengthens the bond between the club and the local community, making the team's presence more meaningful. Marumo Gallants, which recently acquired the DStv Premiership status of Moroka Swallows, will play in Bloemfontein. Kerr's initiatives, both on and off the field, signal a fresh and holistic approach to his tenure at Gallants, aiming to foster a positive impact within and beyond the football pitch.
