The Premiership is the end goal for this Phuthaditjhaba-based club. By Peter Raath
African Warriors chairman Jabu Khumalo has always had a passion for football. Twenty years ago he held the post as administration manager of Fairway Stars (now known as Free State Stars), but later decided to go it alone.
Fast forward to 2006-07 and the businessman’s newly-acquired second division outfit, originally named Happy Kings, not only topped the Free State Vodacom League, but were also crowned winners at the National Vodacom League play-offs.
Ever since gaining promotion into the NFD, Warriors have been on an upward curve, finishing as runners-up to Black Leopards during their 2009-10 campaign, although they failed in the PSL promotion-relegation play-offs.
And this season, the Phuthaditjhaba-based club has another excellent opportunity to gain a spot in the lucrative Premiership after employing Englishman Mark Harrison as head coach – this before the end of the first round when incumbent Vladislav Heric walked out to rejoin top-flight Black Leopards.
The former Bangladesh mentor and ex-Everton goalkeeper coach is hoping his passion for the beautiful game will rub off on his playing squad so they can go that one step further.
‘I played with my heart on my sleeve and I coach like that too,’ Harrison says.
‘I try to bring that passion to teams I work with. I get so involved in the game, have so much desire to win and want my players to be like me. It’s not just about what happens on the training field; the mental part of the game is the most important. If you are not equipped to compete and win then you won’t, full stop.
‘So I work with players’ heads, and want them to feel gutted, disappointed if they lose. If they perform badly I want them to hurt, to show me that they’re not satisfied with second best.
‘There are still lots of points to be won and lost. I’d like to finish in the top three, I’d like to be top, but so many things are out of your control, such as injuries, poor refereeing decisions and suspensions. These factors can swing the title in your favour or give it to another team. We just have to continue working, keep our heads down.’
Harrison inherited a talented team which includes experienced strikers like current captain Bulelani Matross and Jimmy Zakazaka (ex-Bay United), who already has a hat-trick to
his name.
His side also boasts Namibian international goalkeeper Efraim Tjihange, top defenders Ange Lebahi and Tumane Khosholo, while in the middle Justice Sithole and Tshepo Tomanyane are continuing where they left off last season. Warriors have also sourced some good U23s such as front man Mathai Mbongo (ex-Black Vultures), defender Siyabonga Mkhwanazi (on loan from Orlando Pirates) and midfielder Lerato Senyane.
‘I have a nice squad,’ continues Harrison. ‘You can never question the skill factor in this country – it’s up with the best in the world – but what disturbs me is that the tactical and technical awareness is poor. It’s not the players’ fault, that comes from grassroots coaching, which Safa has to address.’
‘If they perform badly I want them to hurt, to show me that they’re not satisfied with second best’ – Mark Harrison
AFRICAN WARRIORS’ FIRST DIVISION RECORD
SEASON P W D L GF GA PTS POS
2007-08 21 8 5 8 20 21 29 4th
2008-09 21 10 5 6 40 25 35 3rd
2009-10 21 12 4 5 29 22 40 2nd
2010-11 21 7 9 5 29 25 30 4th
TOTAL 84 37 23 24 118 93 134 N/A
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