Siphosenkosi Gift Dlamini is a third-year Diploma Sustainable Horticulture and Landscaping student at DUT and also the current goalkeeper coach for the DUT football team.
Dlamini speaks on the challenge of balancing his studies, coaching responsibilities, and personal life. He says he sometimes finds it demanding but is adapting (kuyajwayeleka). He credits his coach, Andile Mavundla: DUT Football Head Coach for guidance during this transition.
Dlamini sees his role as a great opportunity to learn from experienced coaches, Andile Mavundla and Zamo Dlamini: DUT assistant coach. He believes working with the technical team will enhance his experience and contribute to the team’s success in both the league and Varsity Cup. He has earned the respect of his former teammates, some of whom are now senior players.
Coaching is not temporary for Dlamini. His passion lies in goalkeeper coaching and his goal is to become a professional in this field.
The reason for assuming the goalkeeping coaching opportunity is because an injury had forced him to retire from competitive playing. However, this had now opened the door to coaching, allowing him to share his knowledge with younger players. He previously served as a player-coach for the Natal Rich Boys in 2019. His own achievement of maintaining 18 clean sheets in 25 games motivates him to push his goalkeepers to achieve the same goal as his.
Dlamini emphasises that communication and aerial ball skills as essential for goalkeepers, especially in USSA tournaments. He acknowledges his limitations as a player but highlights his dedication to fundamentals. He instills this work ethic and a growth mindset in his goalkeepers that he is training, reminding them to learn from their mistakes.
Dlamini draws on his understanding of USSA tournaments to design training sessions that emphasise footwork and aerial skills, crucial for success in those competitions. He stays up-to-date through research using Google. For him, communication remains a core element, as he believes goalkeepers’ clear calls can prevent conceding goals.
He also values understanding his goalkeepers’ strengths and weaknesses and sees himself as an infield coach due to the goalkeeper’s vantage point on the field. He further believes in building a strong rapport with his goalkeepers, being there for them through challenges.
Dlamini aspires to develop goalkeepers who secure professional contracts and envisions himself coaching at a higher league level. He emphasises the importance of passion and dedication for aspiring goalkeeper coaches.
Dlamini expresses gratitude to the DUT management and coaching staff for believing in him.
He also urged the DUT Community to please support not only Football but other sporting codes as well because it gives players motivation.
Pictured: Siphosenkosi Gift Dlamini
Mncedisi Ndlovu
