Kiddo Esau, newly appointed coach of the promoted outfit Rygersdal FC, is well aware that he has big boots to fill as the successor to Ashraf Calvert.
Calvert, who subsequently moved on to the pro ranks with TS Galaxy Queens, won promotion with Rygersdal last season from the Regional Development League to the more competitive Regional Women’s League.
Esau, who will work closely with the under-16’s, as well as the senior ladies’ team, was the first to point out that a lot now rests on his shoulders to take women’s football at the Rondebosch-based club to a higher level.
But if there is one individual who is certainly capable of doing this, then it is Esau, as he is no stranger to the women’s game following his time with Santos Ladies.
The 40-year-old Gqeberha-born Esau explained to No Bones with Jones: “He (Assie) has such a big vision, passion and drive, you know… and I am more of the technical guy. I am the one who will maybe lose for six months to win for six years, I am that kind of guy – I lose to learn and grow and see how I can better myself for the future.
“Whereas Assie is the other way around, he gets the job done and he puts in a lot of work with the coaches as well. He is always willing to help and assist so that others can grow as well.”
Esau and his debutants kick off their Sasol League campaign on Saturday (20 April) with an away fixture against another newbie Cape Town Swallows FC (15:00) at the Malibu Sports Complex in Blue Downs.
According to Esau, who will be coaching at the Tygerberg LFA for the first time as coach, he has a pretty good idea of what to expect from his troops.
“It looks like there is so much more energy in this WRL than how it is advertised and portrayed,” Esau further stated. “There are quite a lot of strong teams in this league so I am anticipating a very very tough and uphill battle this season.
“But I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves and pull through. You have teams like Salt River Blackpool, Rygate Ladies and Hotspurs to name a few teams that have been around at this level so we will have to compete at our best.
“So, for us coming in from the development league for myself as a coach I already know what is expected at this level having been in the League previously.
“But with the new girls coming in this league it will be quite different, you know. But we have many many girls with so much talent. So, yeah I am looking forward to a very very exciting season if I can be honest,” Esau concluded.

