Times Of Swaziland: FITNESS COACHES ADVOCATE  FOR STATISTICAL EQUIPMENT

FITNESS COACHES ADVOCATE  FOR STATISTICAL EQUIPMENT
================================================================================
Melusi Mkhabela on 22/12/2024 14:48:00


LOBAMBA – Following the conclusion of the fitness coaches workshop, some
coaches have called for improved equipment to better monitor fitness statistics.
This concern was notably raised by Red Rhinos Coach Percy Shongwe, who is
currently competing in the MTN National First Division (NFD), during the
workshop held yesterday at the Lobamba Technical Centre. Shongwe first expressed
his gratitude to the Eswatini Football Coaches Association (EFCA) for organising
the refresher course. “Having such courses allows us to stay updated with the
latest trends in football. It enables us to monitor the standard of fitness in
the clubs, as they ultimately benchmark the fitness level of our national
team,” said Shongwe.
He appreciated the EFCA, expressing his hope that such courses could be more
frequent to help coaches keep pace with the standards demanded by the
ever-evolving game. “Now that we have just completed this course, it would be
beneficial to start using vests and proper watches to measure the intensity and
physical condition of a player,” elaborated the Red Rhinos coach.
Shongwe concluded his remarks by noting that these tools could be invaluable for
the national team, providing accurate statistics that reflect the true
performance capabilities of its players. The workshop commenced at 8:30am
yesterday and enjoyed a good turnout, with coaches participating in sessions led
by two instructors well-versed in the fitness sector. The instructors included
Muzi Mamba from Ngwane Teachers College, a Physical Education lecturer, and Muzi
Dlamini from Athletics Eswatini (AE).
ECA Secretary Musa Mamba highlighted that the workshop’s objective was to
gather feedback and insights regarding fitness levels observed in clubs.
“In most cases, you can see that the fitness level is very low. This is
reflected in the national team,” said Mamba. He further emphasised that the
national team is the culmination of all the teams’ efforts.
“We thought it necessary to invite facilitators from Ngwane College and AE to
provide us with insights into fitness,” he explained.  Mamba also pointed out
that the fitness requirements for athletics and football are relatively similar,
which justified the inclusion of a facilitator from AE. He concluded by stating
that the ultimate goal is to elevate the fitness levels within clubs, thereby
enhancing the standard of the game domestically.