Cape Town - Cayl Coetsee has been appointed as Academy Director of Mpumalanga Black Aces as they look for a long term youth approach.
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According to the clubs website, Aces have a ‘clear intention of focusing on youth development’ and Coetsee fits the position perfectly reveals Aces chairman Mario Morfou.
"We interviewed a few candidates, including a few from the USA and Europe but always felt we needed a local coach,” said Morfou
“We were immediately impressed with Cayl’s forward thinking approach and we believe he has the credentials to implement and run a programme that will ultimately provide return on investment for the club.”
Coetsee boasts an impressive CV as he was a first played as a right back and holding midfielder for Arcadia Sheppards while attending the University of Pretoria. In 2003 he captained Tuks to the SA University Soccer National Championship which helped him secure a move USA on a football scholarship at the Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucy. He went on to win the USA National College Championship in 2005.
He then played in the USA first division for Atlanta Silverbacks but that was cut short following a serious knee injury. He rejoined Tuks in 2007 but his career ended earlier than expected due to injury problems.
Coetsee then moved into coaching and Tuks offered him the mentorship of their under-19 squad where he groomed players such as George Lebese, Andile Jali and current Aces player Aubrey Ngoma.
"I’m excited to be back in professional youth football and am very impressed with the solid foundation laid by my predecessors,” said Cayl.
“Aces has the potential platform to become a giant in local football development and I really appreciate the opportunity afforded to myself from the Aces chairman."