Ajax U19 coach says there is no better job

GroundUp: Where are you from?

Maahier Davids: I was born in Cape Town, Rondebosch East.

GU: When did you start coaching?

MD: I played at Ajax from when I was 12 until I was 19. I then moved to Platinum Stars. Four years ago I started coaching at Santos. From there I came to Ajax and I have been coaching here ever since.

GU: What made you choose to coach soccer?

MD: I never really wanted to be a coach. It didn’t work out for me on the field. I then started coaching while I was still playing but I fell in love with coaching. I thought I would add value in coaching since I came through the ranks and I gave it a shot.

GU: Would you change your decision for anything?

MD: I wouldn’t change it for anything. There is no better job. I love the game. It is very fulfilling to watch the boys grow and build their careers.

GU: What have you achieved in your coaching career so far?

MD: I have won the Engen under 17 Knockout Challenge two years in a row in 2012 and 2013. I won the Metropolitan under 19 Premier Cup twice as well in 2013 and 2014. I also won the Copa Amsterdam 2013 and we are going to Amsterdam in a few weeks to defend our trophy.

GU: What is it like coaching teenagers?

MD: It’s always a challenge but a nice one. The advantage that I have is that I’ve been through the same stages. It’s not easy but I try to make practice interesting and easy for the boys. It gives my life [meaning] to see the boys develop and go to the PSL.

GU: What is the relationship like with the boy’s parents?

MD: So far I’ve had good relationships with the parents because I’m honest with them. I don’t make empty promises that will come back to haunt me because I deal with human emotions. I let them know that not all the boys will make it to the PSL but I guide them towards that goal. I even do house visits to see how the boys live and work with their parents because we aim to develop players holistically.

GU: How difficult is it to introduce new players to your coaching style every year?

MD: The good thing about the club is that it has one philosophy and style of play. And I usually get players coming from the lower divisions in the club and who have been introduced to the style already.

GU: Have you ever applied for the senior team coaching job?

MD: At the moment my focus is with the under 19s to make them ready for the PSL. You never know what will happen in future. For now I take it one game and one tournament at a time. I focus on the task at hand.

GU: What does the future hold for you?

MD: I just want to grow as a coach and take my coaching a step further by doing all the necessary courses to advance myself.

GU: What message do you have for up and coming coaches out there?

MD: If you want to be a coach you first need to have passion, hunger and desire for the game. Get out there and coach. Start somewhere and if you enjoy doing it carry on and get yourself educated. Involve yourself in soccer in whatever way and see how it goes.