Xali: My Best Memories At School Of Excelle…

Puso Dithejane & Masimanyane Xali.Photo: Instagram/@masimanyane

Former School of Excellence coach Masimanyane Xali has opened up on his highlights and best memories after leaving the institution shortly after a change of ownership.

Xali was credited with playing a big role in the development of the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Cemran Dansin, Puso Dithejane, Boitumelo Radiopane, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, among many other players who were nurtured at the School of Excellence during his nine-and-a-half-year stay.

Check Out: Xali On Leaving School Of Excellence: I Saw It Coming

After the School, previously under the directorship of Transnet and SAFA, was handed over to Chipcor Holdings and rebranded ‘Africa School of Excellence’, Xali was one of the staff members who were relieved of their duties due to restructuring and cost-cutting measures under new owners.

Soccer Laduma spoke to the youth coach about his highlights and the memories he cherishes, and he was not hesitant to say his biggest pride was seeing most of the youngsters developed at the School going on to make professional debuts for the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

“It has definitely been the growth of the players, seeing the players make their debuts (in the PSL), seeing the likes of Ntando Nkosi making his debut for Sundowns, Rele (Mofokeng) making his debut, Cemran (Dansin), Kutlwano, those boys making debuts,” Xali said.

“Among these is also that Nedbank Cup final when Rele scored that winning goal against Sundowns, which was one of my highlights. We were actually speaking about it, him and me. I think he posted the anniversary of his debut; we were talking about the memorable moments.

Check Out: Official: Chippa Takes Over School Of Excellence

“It’s not necessarily trophies won at the School, because for us, trophies were not really important; the most important thing for us was seeing the players make it professionally,” Xali said.

“I think the impact we made, like at Engen (tournament), Pirates Cup in 2022, as well as Copa Coca-Cola in 2019 (national championship), I would say while at the School, those were the three top achievements,” Xali added.

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