Riverton FC under-19 coach Liam Gamba (pictured right) acknowledged that he is treading in uncharted territory – and is relishing every moment of it.
Suffice to say that Gamba’s squad has been punching above its weight at a rare attempt of the Bayhill Premier Cup qualifiers with captain Jason Lombard (pictured left) leading from the proverbial front.
The Tafelsig-based club has managed to progress to the penultimate round of the gruelling play-off campaign where they will face Aberdeen (13:00) on Saturday at the ABE Sher Sports Complex in Bothasig.
”My expectations for this weekend’s Bayhill play-offs are for my boys to work in unity, give their all and not just to win their matches but to do it for the love of football and to have fun. I enjoy every minute with the kids as we grow together,” Gamba told No Bones with Jones.
”It is important that they don’t only grow as footballers but also as individuals. So, I try to explain to them that (honest) hard work will eventually be rewarded. They have to be patient as well as we are still a young club but we’ll get there eventually,” he added.
Gamba highlighted he need not be reminded that he is still as green as grass when it comes to coaching after recently taking up coaching with the under-19’s.
Gamba explains: ”Personally, I think coaching is transferring your knowledge to your players. You can’t do it for them, you have to give them the tools and teach them how to apply them correctly to the situations they’ll face in the game. I am aware that not everyone will be so lucky to make a career out of football but guiding them on the right track is part of the process.
“It’s challenging dealing with young adults but I have managed to overcome the obstacles that comes with the responsibility. I’m doing this to keep them safe and off the streets in our community. They can so easily be swallowed in and led in the wrong direction, like with gangs, etc,” said Gamba..
Riverton, established in 2019 by the late Mr Natas and the current president Mr Bussack has provided an outlet and alternative for the aspiring talent from Tafelsig.
Despite ‘competing’ with neighbouring club Tafelzucht the club has grown its membership to 200 registered players from the under 6 to under 18 divisions including two senior teams, the first team and the Super League outfit.
“We have to give tribute to these gentlemen as they had the vision to make a difference in the community through football,” Gamba further added. “Therefore we must take their legacy forward and make a success of it, not just on the field but in our broader community.”
