They focus entirely on being Pirates

Gerald, you’ve had the unique privilege of both playing for Orlando Pirates and later being part of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge technical team as a coach. Looking back, what does the club’s philosophy around youth development mean to you personally?

- Masebe Qina

Gerald Modabi: Thanks, Sebes. I think first it’s important to note that what people don’t know is that the club has a personalised football model - a way that they want Pirates to play — and that starts from development right up to the first team. So, when a player is promoted, there’s no need to reteach him how the first team does things. The club only has one uniform way of playing, and all the development teams adopt that. Having had the privilege to work as one of the coaches means I've been part of an institution that plays a big role in promoting young footballers who are now becoming very important in our game. Others are still coming through, some got lost in the system, but it’s been a great privilege. Sometimes as ex-footballers, we think we deserve to be employed just because we played for the club. I was blessed with an opportunity to give back ~ to share what I learned during my playing days - and that was nothing but a great privilege.

MQ: Pirates seem to be setting the standard in South African football when it comes to successfully transitioning players from the DDC to the senior team. From your experience, what makes their model work so well?