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Tim Spirit: Coaching? No thanks

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Coaching, just like being the country’s president, might rise to the number one slot in the list of the most thankless jobs in South Africa – that is if it’s not there already.

President Jacob Zuma would be happy to know he is not alone in the firing line, as 10 Absa Premiership coaches have been fired so far.

The sacking last week of Gordon Igesund at SuperSport United and Sammy Troughton at University of Pretoria was further proof that the coaching revolving door has been in full swing this season.

Not even special ones like José Mourinho are spared the blues. The tactician won the English Premiership with Chelsea last season but now finds himself jobless after being fired.

You are as good as your last game – win or lose.

Troughton probably thought his famous victory over high-riding Mpumalanga Black Aces gave him a stay of execution, but alas, a few days later he is now the former AmaTuks coach after joining the unemployment ranks.

As for Igesund, it had been long in the coming because he was his own worst enemy. United are known for going all out to support their coaches and Igesund got all the players other coaches could only wish for. Before the season started, he brought in no fewer than five quality players, but he failed to get them to play as a unit.

Igesund and Troughton were gracious in their sacking, as the writing was on the wall. They probably expected it.

Zuma and coaches are in the same boat by virtue of being the heads of their departments – they are bound to be criticised, regardless of whether they do well or badly.

But we need to acknowledge how difficult coaching really is – just like leading a country.

When it comes to judging your performance, everyone seems to be an expert and apparently has the qualifications to criticise.

People think they know more, or could do a better job. But all they really know is how to vent.

After trying my luck in coaching a social club – Fat Cats FC – I have come to the conclusion that no matter what group is playing or what level you do it at, people develop a different mind-set the moment they get inside the field of play. I had lots of heated arguments with not only the team’s supporters, but the players, about who should be playing where and how.

Coaches must be the most underappreciated bunch on earth. To all the so-called experts, if the team loses it is the coach’s fault. If it wins, it happens in spite of the coach.

The question is why do it at all? For the love of the game and a burning desire to do good things for other people? The reality is, you can’t win them all.

I bet even Jomo Sono the chairman is not happy with Jomo Sono the coach.

After Igesund and Troughton, who will be booted out next?

In December, it was KwaZulu-Natal sides – Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United – who parted ways with coaches – Serame Letsoaka and Clive Barker, respectively – and in January it was Tshwane’s turn.

It has been a silly season, but coaches must be aware of the disappointments that come with the job.

Kinnah Phiri lasted just four games at Free State Stars and was followed by Mandla Ncikazi at Maritzburg United early in the season.

With 14 games to go, is Soweto due for a bit of spring-cleaning in the coaching department?

Like Zuma always sings – inde lendlela!

Follow me on Twitter @TimspiritMolobi

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