Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the legendary Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane for an exclusive interview. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder shared his insights on his journey from being a player to transitioning into coaching, as well as his thoughts on the current state of South African football.
When asked about the performance of Bafana Bafana at AFCON, Letsholonyane said, ” I am satisfied with the team’s progression from the first match to the last 16. There is a level of maturity and improvement, they compliment each other very well. However, there is a need for improvement in converting chances early in the game to secure a lead.“
Reflecting on his transition from player to coach, Yeye revealed that he had already set his sights on coaching while still playing. He began working on his coaching badges early on, fully prepared to retire and make the shift into the coaching space.
The former Amakhosi midfielder also shed light on the process of obtaining coaching licenses, discussing the ease of completing them within South Africa and the challenges of obtaining higher-level licenses in other countries. His dedication and perseverance in pursuing coaching qualifications illustrate his commitment to his coaching career. Letsholonyane stated, “I don’t think I can say I have faced challenges really in me transitioning from player to coach. I knew already what I wanted to do post-retirement and started with coaching badges while I was playing. So I was ready to retire and move to the coaching space.”
Regarding the process of acquiring coaching badges, Letsholonyane explained, “The process is much easier when you do them in the country (South Africa). I did my CAF D-licence in Pretoria while at SuperSport United FC and my CAFC-license in Ekhuruleni while at TS Galaxy FC. For the CAF B-licence, I went to Zambia, and for the CAF A-licence, I went to Botswana. The application process is similar, and you communicate with the Technical Directors in those countries. You pay the required fee in their currency and then proceed with the course.”
On the topic of youth development, Letsholonyane expressed his excitement for the emerging talent in South African football. He emphasized the potential of young players and their role in the future of the sport, underscoring the importance of nurturing and guiding them to success.
Yeye mentioned some talented youngsters he coaches at AmaZulu FC DDC side, “A lot of them had potential, and it wouldn’t do justice to mention just a few. But I’m sure we saw glimpses of the players who were in the Carling Black Label All-Star Team. There are many exciting young players out there.”
In addition to his coaching aspirations, Letsholonyane shared his passion for imparting knowledge and improving the next generation of footballers. His dedication to developing players both on and off the field demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact in the football community. “I’m always happy and excited to share the knowledge that I have with the current players and trying to improve and make them better human beings and footballers. My goal is to coach at the highest level of football in the continent of Africa.”
Lastly,Regarding his younger brother Tshidisi’s coaching abilities, he praised him, saying, ” He is one of the best youth coaches currently. The level of knowledge that he has is just amazing. His willingness to work hard, learn, and impart that knowledge to those young stars is unmatched. I definitely see him as one of the best coaches in the near future.”
Letsholonyane’s admiration for the tireless efforts and commitment of his peers speaks volumes about his desire to elevate the standards of coaching in South African football.
Recently, he parted ways with AmaZulu FC, leaving fans and football enthusiasts eager to see where his next coaching venture will take him. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Letsholonyane’s acumen will undoubtedly be utilized to better the next generation of footballers.
As the former AmaZulu man embarks on this new chapter in his coaching career, the football community eagerly awaits his next move. His dedication to improving players both on and off the field, coupled with his passion for the game, will undoubtedly make a significant impact wherever he lands.
His journey from a revered football player to an aspiring coach is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the beautiful game. His insights and aspirations serve as a source of inspiration for the future of South African football, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he continues to make in the sport.
