Diadora FC assistant coach Sardick ‘Balla’ Barends (pictured right) believes the “synergy” and “no big egos” amongst the coaches are key factors for their impressive display in their debut season in the Hollywoodbets Third Division campaign thus far.
The Hanover Park-based team who plays their home games in Gugulethu, is currently the only unbeaten side in the league thus far. In fact, the Third Division newbie is the only unbeaten side in both Safa Cape Town and Safa Western Cape’s structures so far this season – not too shabby at all.
Some might say it is beginners’ luck but Barends is convinced it is the manner in which the chairman Shaheed Abrahams, along with his head coach Zain Abrahams (pictured third from left), are steering the ship.
Barends, who up until a couple of seasons ago played Third Division football with Junction Rovers, is also well aware of what it takes to win league titles as he did it with Junction and Glendene United in the Second Division in the past.
According to Barends he is thoroughly enjoying his time at Diadora learning a lot in the process.
“Working alongside coach Zain has been an invaluable experience for my growth as a coach and being part of this team with such a passionate and driven group of people is truly special,” Barends told No Bones with Jones. “The challenges we face only make us stronger, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside this club.
“Also having a chairman that is familiar with the demands of the league and the football landscape is a big plus as he only does what is in the best interest of the club. He has bold ambitions for the club, which drives us to give our all every single day. His energy is infectious, and it motivates us to meet the demands of this exciting project” he added.
Abrahams has been strategic in assembling his technical team with coaches such as the well-known kit manager ‘Ta Klein’ (pictured second from left) and Riyaz Orderson (manager, pictured left) which indicates that they harbour serious intension for promotion.
After previously serving as a head coach, Barends pointed out that he has embraced the transition to an assistant role and sees it as an essential step in his development.
“Moving from head coach to assistant has been a great learning experience. Coach Zain has been incredible in allowing me to share ideas and contribute while also helping me understand the nuances of this role.
“It is important to gain perspective on different roles within a technical team. This kind of exposure ensures that when I step into a head coach role again in the future, I will know exactly how it feels to play every part in the team’s success,” Barends concluded.
