The Professor

With Bafana Bafana Coach Shakes Mashaba

Themba Aubrey ‘Sthimbana’Dlamini –Founder, Technical Director & Manager of Celta Vigo Development Center FC  and LFA Youth Development Coordinator.

The Lecturer 

Coach Makhoba once on the books of Bloemfontein Celtic FC

Xolani Aloysius Makhoba – Head Coach of Celta Vigo Development Center FC

Vaal Diski 99: Could you please define your specific role within Celta Vigo Development Center FC?

Themba Dlamini: My role is quite simple, mine is to oversee all the team’s teams adhere to the style of football which I created in the early years of the club, I oversee the club’s development is adhered to whilst also scouting for the right type of coaches, whilst as a manager basic duties of player registration and transportation are my responsibilities.

Vaal Diski 99: Coach, having been a professional player previously with Bloemfontein Celtic FC and Black Leopards was it a natural progression to become a coach?

Xolani Makhoba: Yes it was,  I have always had this gift even during my playing days I used to coach on the field. It is also way to give back to the community that has done so much for me. I am passionate about football and guiding young upcoming football players to one day repeat and surpass my achievements is an honour.

Vaal Diski 99: Looking at how far the club has come,  what are your feelings towards what you created back in 2001?

Themba Dlamini: It’s always great to reflect on the journey we have traveled. From getting young girls in national teams,  players signed by professional clubs whilst keeping the style of play intact. I am joyful as what I wanted when we started was to use Celta Vigo as an organ to change peoples lives,  and can say we have impacted on many but we ought to continuously improve.

Vaal Diski 99: Coach,  when did your relationship with Celta Vigo Development Center FC begin? 

Xolani Makhoba: It started years back even before my retirement, I would always come and train in the off season whilst also giving motivation to the players then. I have always loved the style of play of the team, and once the Vigo bug has got you it’s for life. Having grown up in zone 3 Sebokeng, I liked the way the club was run.

Vaal Diski 99: The running of a football is not that simple, what are the challenges the club faces?

Themba Dlamini: The biggest challenge no doubt is the issue of resources. In a ideal setting every child should train with their own ball. When we started we would train with basketballs, we would cut up maize meal packets as vests. We learned the hard way, but I am grateful as we still exist.

Vaal Diski 99: Celta Vigo, a club highly acclaimed in the Vaal region with a rich history,  was the decision to coach the team as easy as it looks on the outside?

Xolani Makhoba: It remains the most easiest decision I have ever taken. Look,  all my life I have been an underdog, from my professional days so coming to Celta was easy because of the setup here,  one is given the freedom,  freedom to make mistakes and learn from them with no pressure at all. People like Themba and Mandla make my job simpler too.

Vaal Diski 99: Celta Vigo, are highly known for the flamboyant South African style football it plays and since it’s formation, many people have loved the Vigo way of playing hence crowds would always follow Celta wherever it played,  how did you create this style of play?

Themba Dlamini: I was inspired by the era of current Spanish national team coach Vincente del Bosque at Real Madrid CF, with the likes of Fernando Redondo. I took lessons of the way they freely expressed themselves and as a South African, I just let my players express themselves while tweaking here and there. I have always been true to myself as an African, so we are blessed with technically good players, all I did was just structure it. Mine was to also entertain the supporters.

Vaal Diski 99: Coaches have philosophises, Celta have a unique philosophy in terms of how they play,  was it difficult to blend the two?

Xolani Makhoba: Yes,  philosophy is like opinion, you have yours I have mine but because Celta is so professional. There is the Celta way, Its club policy to adhere to it, when I joined I knew what was expected. I have my way of implementing how I see it but I never compromise when it comes to the style.

Themba Dlamini: All our teams adhere to it,  it’s our tradition and over the years we have worked hard to preserve it. Football like life advances, but one will never change where they come from,  just like our style.

Vaal Diski 99: What are your hopes?

Themba Dlamini: To see the club continue to grow from leaps and bounds. Make it more than a football club,  help to build our community and make better citizens of our players. To accommodate more kids in our structures. I would also love to see people come contribute in their capacities as we all can play a part.

Xolani Makhoba: I want to continuously learn,  I want to learn more about coaching, acquire coaching licenses and see Vigo progress. We must all unite to build a good future for our kids.

Vaal Diski 99: Why did you choose to call the club Celta Vigo?

Themba Dlamini: It was during the era of Benni McCarthy at Celta Vigo in Spain and my players and I voted for the name. It was also a way of paying homage to him.

Vaal Diski 99: Coach, do you not miss your playing days though?

Xolani Makhoba: Nope, I live in the now,  it was good and I am thankful for the opportunity but I am happy at Celta and seeing my players express themselves and take the little I teach, makes me very happy.

About Coach Makhoba off the pitch

•He relaxes by watching television, listening to music, reading and quality time with family.

•Regards former teammate Thabo Nthethe as the best he coached and played with.

About Technical director Themba Dlamini off the pitch

•Watches movies and is an avid fan of the game PACMAN.

• Regards Vusimuzi Gcantsana as the most talented player he has coached.

•Was coached by Mamelodi Sundowns FC Coach Pitso Mosimane at the Barney Molokoane School of Excellence.