Polokwane City coach Willy Machete Moloto has set his sights on a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership and a place in the semi-finals of one of the domestic cup competitions as he looks to guide the club towards a successful campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Zone journalist Ezekiel Iniesta Maupye, Moloto also reflected on his professional relationship with Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, whom he worked alongside at Marumo Gallants, and the coaches who have influenced his development.
Moloto said he and Ouaddou developed a strong working relationship during their time at Gallants, sharing ideas and challenging each other to improve both the team and themselves as coaches.
My relationship with coach Abdeslam started when he joined Marumo Gallants. We developed a good working relationship both on and off the field. We used to push each other and discuss how we could improve the team and grow as individuals,” Moloto said.
He added that Ouaddou valued his work ethic, tactical analysis and willingness to contribute ideas, while encouraging him to continue working towards becoming a better coach.
One of the things he appreciated was my work and how I studied the game and came up with ideas. He always pushed me to work as hard as I could to become great, and I was also inspired by his work,” he added.
Moloto Credits Influential Coaches
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Moloto named former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, experienced South African tactician Gavin Hunt and Portuguese coaching great José Mourinho among those who have influenced his approach to the game.
He also paid tribute to the late McCoy Kgobe, whom he credited with playing an important role in developing football talent in Limpopo.
As I was developing myself as a coach, I looked up to the likes of coach Pitso Mosimane, coach Gavin Hunt, José Mourinho and our late coach McCoy Kgobe, who developed many players in the province,” he said.
Top Eight and Cup Progress the Priority
At Polokwane City, Moloto has identified a top-eight league finish and a run to the semi-finals of one of the domestic cup competitions as key objectives.
The targets underline his ambition to build a competitive side capable of making progress in both the league and cup competitions.
My ambition for the team is to reach the top eight and reach the semi-finals of one of the cups,” Moloto said.
With lessons drawn from his working relationship with Ouaddou and the coaches who have shaped his development, Moloto will be looking to translate his ambitions into positive results for Rise and Shine.