When Leslie Manelope and his u.12 Greenwood Athletic team walk onto the field at the Ocean View Sport Complex on Saturday (11 April) to defend their title in Seaside Spurs’ Ignite Cup, expectations won’t be high.
Not because they are ill-prepared, nor because they had to wait a whole year to defend it due the fact that the event was postponed last year because of field upgrades, but rather because they are a completely new team he put together.
“And you can be assured it will be an entirely new experience for the kids,” Manelope explained to No Bones with Jones. “But I have to add that the fact that we are the defending champion should still serve as motivation for them as well and to represent their club with pride,” he added.
Manelope started at Greenwood as a seven-year-old and has coached various age categories. He is also regarded as one of the most loyal servants at the club, still committed as ever after more than 30 years.
‘Lollo’ as he is affectionately known is of the opinion that success is not just measured by how many trophies they win, but rather the development and growth of the players.
“Look, there will be top academies at the event and this is also an opportunity for them to get scouted,” Leslie further added. “Even so, it’s a perfect platform for our youth to get the necessary exposure.
Just like Riley van Wyk who was recruited by Ubuntu Academy when we won the trophy in 2024. So, they can use that as inspiration, you know. My message to them is stay grounded and stay humble.
“Whatever happens, happens and if it was meant to be it will be, you know. We shall control what we can and not be too fixated on what we can’t control. The important thing for them is to have fun and to enjoy the opportunity, make new friends as that is what the beautiful game is all about, isn’t it? he concluded.
