There is a culture shift in the PSL. In the past club owners were reluctant to give novices a chance to take charge of their teams, with experience being the main currency. However, in recent seasons, we are noticing a change in the tide. More and more teams are taking a gamble on giving the hot seat to mentors in their infancy stage.
A closer inspection into this trend reveals that it is most likely new club owners who are taking this risk. And by new I’m in no way referring to experience, but rather the current crop of team owners in the PSL. When TS Galaxy was struggling under the guidance of the experienced Da Gama, Tim made a brave call. He gave a relatively unknown German mentor [Sead Ramovic], his 1st ever head coaching gig. Naturally, that was followed by a lot of criticism, he served a lot of doubters humble pie when he avoided what looked like guaranteed relegation.
Since then we are noticing this new wave catching on. Arrows have put former players Khenyeza, Vilakazi and Bilankulu in charge. You might argue that Mabhuti was at the helm at Galaxy, but the stint was short-lived. Gallants then gave a 32 year old newbie, Romain Folz a chance to win matches. He tried, and is now afforded another chance by the Zungus at AmaZulu. Chippa, well Mr Siviwe Mpengesi has always maintained he’ll not deny anyone willing to bring him victories an opportunity. His boldness has seen him give one of the club’s administrator the job, after sacking Klate. The highflying Richard Bay United have coach Pitso Dladla. The struggling Dube birds are pondering on giving Musa Nyatama a bigger break.
Big Clubs Are Taking The Same Direction
The biggest confirmation that our league is taking this direction, has to be Kaizer Chiefs’ decision on the appointment of their technical team. Naming Arthur Zwane as the head coach, will forever remain one of the most unprecedented moves the club has made. They yearned for a fresh revival, after over 7 years of experimenting with experience. Of course, we can definitely squeeze in Orlando Pirates’ Jose in this conversation. And now with Sundowns giving total control to coach Rulani Mokwena, the experience argument is officially under the microscope.
