Mason October, head coach of the Third Division debutants D6 Mitchells Plain FC says he’s not naive to the demands of Safa Cape Town’s Men’s Regional League which kicks off on Friday.
D6 Mitchells Plain, who acquired the Third Division status of Saxon Rovers a while back, open their campaign with an impressive 5-2 home victory against another debutant in Vasco da Gama at the Khayelitsha Stadium on Saturday.
“Look, it all depends on how much they want to achieve in this league and obviously the technical team, the club and everybody, you know,” October told No Bones with Jones. “We obviously try to steer the ship and get everybody to move in the same direction. “
Yeah, it’s definitely not going to be easy, but everybody involved is up for the challenge. We’re not looking to underperform or put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. We started our campaign on a positive note, but we shouldn’t get carried away.”
October, a former Santos and Amatuks defender, enjoyed a solid professional career that also included a three-year spell with Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak. At 36, the former left-back has transitioned into coaching and is regarded as one of the league’s promising young tacticians.
Having gone full circle from taking instructions on the field to delivering them from the touchline, October admits the adjustment remains a work in progress.
“To be honest, I still get itchy feet and want to get involved,” October joked.
“But it’s been a great journey so far and a massive learning curve. I’m always looking to broaden my horizons. I have good people around me with plenty of knowledge, so I’m very open to advice. I like to learn from everyone and take bits and pieces from different people.
“I was exactly the same as a player. I always wanted to be around leaders and experienced players because that’s where you learn the most. That’s always been my approach, to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
“The games we lose are often the ones where I learn the most. Those are the moments that force you to reflect, grow and become a better coach,” October concluded.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
