TS Galaxy Queens’ new head coach Ashraf Calvert is certainly paving the way for local coaches in Cape Town.
No Bones with Jones reported last week that the former Young Bafana and Clarewood JPM coach was poached by the Mpumalanga-based outfit – and on Tuesday the club officially unveiled the Southern Suburbs boytjie as the man to lead them to success – just as he did with Vasco Ladies, Clarewood JPM, Young Bafana and Rygersdal Ladies.
Our website has been informed Calvert signed a one-year contract with a two-year option.
Speaking to No Bones with Jones shortly after his unveiling Calvert said he has already settled into his new environment and is looking forward to the next chapter of his successful coaching career.
“Firstly I would like to thank the club for the confidence and trust they put in me, it is highly appreciated,” Assie told our website. “I must add that it is rather sad that one needs to go outside your province to get the recognition for the work that one does. There are a lot of quality coaches in Cape Town, it is just that our clubs, on all fronts, are not keen to trust local coaches.
“My wife, family and co-coaches are well aware that I have been speaking about a move to Joburg for a while now as there is nothing in Cape Town. And we all know that Cape Town is not about how good you are. The opportunities are far and few. I think my appointment should give hope to other local coaches.”
Calvert further explained: “If you work hard and put in the effort in what you do there will be opportunities, There are a lot of coaches with A Licenses but not a lot can say they won league after league and that sets you apart from the rest. I put my name out there for people outside Cape Town to come and look for me.
“The fact that I coached men’s and ladies’ teams simultaneously shows the hard work that I have put in. I think my appointment should come as a pillar of hope for future young coaches that there are opportunities if you work hard,” Calvert concluded.
Galaxy’s owner Tim Sukazi appointed Assie for the success he attained with the treble-winning Vasco, whose status was ironically sold to Galaxy Queens. a couple of seasons ago.
Not to forget the Nedbank Cup regional title with Clarewood as well as the ABC Motsepe League title last season with Bafana. Last season he won promotion with an unknown Rygersdal Ladies team to the Women’s Regional Development League. Who knows what’s next for Calvert?
One would not put it past him, with the financial backing and belief, to win the Hollywoodbets Women’s Super League.
