Former Bafana Bafana striker Tembinkosi “Terror” Fanteni (pictured left) says he is eager to shape and mould the next generation of footballers.
The ex-Ajax Cape Town and ex-Orlando Pirates attacker, who has become a forgotten figure of late, resurfaced at Antalyapsor JPM Cape Town where he now serves as one of the youth coaches at the academy – much to the pleasant surprise of many including himself.
Fanteni revealed the ironic nature of how he ended up at the club. “I was invited by a friend to come watch one of their games and that’s how I got to meet the team manager (Sean Ferrier) and the rest is history,” Fanteni explained to No Bones with Jones. “Look, it’s early days and it is an introductory level position as I’m still new in coaching, you know,” he added.
The 42-year-old former goal poacher was prolific in front of goal and there hasn’t been another “Terror” who could terrorise defenders and goalkeepers the way he did. Fanteni is of the opinion that the game has evolved on all levels compared to when he was still a pro player.
“Yes, if you look at the speed at which the game is being played and the organisation at the top level, it has changed a lot, I will say, ” Fanteni further added. “It’s also very scientific with stats and data. But goalscoring remains the same – putting the ball into the net and perhaps I can assist with that, you know”.
Fanteni is also aware that he’ll be competing against one of his former clubs in Cape Town Spurs at some point during his coaching and is actually looking forward to it.
“It will be interesting because that’s where I started my professional career so it will be a special and nostalgic moment I guess,” Fanteni concluded.
Fanteni is certainly in good stead as he’ll be guided by the astute tactician Gareth Ncaca (pictured left), who is the academy’s most senior and successful coach. These two also happen to be former teammates at the now defunct Ajax.
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