Antalayspor JPM Cape Town head coach Gareth Ncaca says he refuses to take all the shine and credit following an impressive start to the new Safa Third Division campaign, with two wins from three matches.
The club of Justin Paulsen (owner) sold its Third Division status to Wynberg St. John’s (WSJ) a few weeks ago, following their sale of ABC Motsepe League status to Seaside Spurs two seasons ago, which in turn acquired the latter’s Third Division status.
And as with any partnership, it naturally takes time for a coach and his players to settle in and to find their feet, respectively. Not to mention the fact that Ncaca has the challenge to keep both entities happy when it comes to the make-up and selection of his squad, which for now predominantly consists of Antalyaspor talent.
Needless to say, Ncaca is an experienced campaigner and knows what is required to develop and build a competitive and successful unit.
However, the 45-year-old Paarl-born coach vehemently stated that he contributed only 2 percent of what is currently happening at the club.
“I’d say the work has been done two years ago already for the development side due to the investment the chairman has put into the youngsters of Antalyaspor,” Ncaca pointed out to No Bones with Jones. “And also Bevan and Sean are doing a great job putting everything together. Even now, with this partnership, it is set up in a way that it benefits both clubs to further develop and grow their brands and their players as well.
“But the biggest challenge is that we do not forget to develop the human side as well because these players come from different worlds, different clubs and cultures… So, pinging that together is a process and it will take time, but also we have to enjoy the process as we venture on. I’m hopeful, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
“But look, I’m hopeful and positive that we shall reach our goals and objectives at the end of the day, which is developing the players and making them better than what they are. But I can’t take away what the club has done and the foundation they have laid already before I came on board,” Ncaca added.
Antalyaspor kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win over another debutant in the League, Young Pirates, two weeks ago and followed it up with an away loss to YMO FC at the Downberg Road Sports Complex in Hanover Park.
They got back to winning ways when they won in emphatic style – 4-1 over Wanderers FC last week, which places them amongst the top eight teams and also having played a game less than the seven clubs above them.
Ncaca has emphasized that they should not get carried away or lose sight of the fact that the players need to grow holistically.
“Better development and growth contribute to better human beings, and we would achieve better results as well, and that is my motto going forward,” Ncaca added.
“Also with the academy, If we develop them properly, coach them properly and improve them, you know, improve the playing style, the club and once we get that right, the results will come automatically. It’s also important to trust the process,” the former Vasco da Gama player concluded.
Antalyaspor welcomes Silver Spurs to their Youngsfield Military home ground and will expect to bag another three points in front of their home fans.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY VENGESHOTS_MV3
