Spirit International Football Academy (SIFA) has been strengthening its coaching structure with talented and enthusiastic individuals, and one of its rising stars is Lwazi Galada, a young coach who recently completed his SAFA C License. His road from playing football in the streets of Langa, one of Cape Town’s oldest townships, to nurturing the next generation of footballers is impactful and will inspire others from similar backgrounds.
For the 29-year-old Galada, it has always been about expressing himself and giving back to the game that has opened so many doors for him. Even at an early age, his leadership qualities stood out.
“We used to play with bare feet against other streets, creating our mini tournaments. It was fun,” Galada said as he thinks back to those earlier days of playing football in Langa. “I was that short, vocal guy always giving instructions to the team. Eventually, I became a captain at Langa United, where I had a good relationship with a lot of coaches and even helped make decisions about who should play and how we should set up.”
His early exposure to coaching decisions sparked his passion for mentoring players. His passion for helping others has made an impression on him.
Pursuing coaching and earning a SAFA C License
As someone who thrives on learning and self-improvement, Galada knew that if he wanted to help young players from townships, he needed to equip himself with the right knowledge. “Doing my D License was the beginning of my coaching career, and I learned so much about the basics. I knew that the C License would be more challenging, but I was prepared for it.”
Despite having played semi-professional football, Galada quickly realised that coaching required a different level of understanding. “Haha, I thought I knew it all! However, the trivial things we take for granted are the most important in coaching. I see things differently now—it’s weird but shows how much I’ve grown.”
The ebb and flow of coaching
Working at SIFA has given Galda a front-row seat to the transformation of young footballers. “I was talking to Coach Grompies [Harper Mapila] earlier in the year, and I told him, ‘Wow, these boys have improved!’ What makes them improve is that they come to training with a smile; that’s particularly important to me. Kids need to enjoy what they are doing to learn and grow.”
However, he also acknowledges the challenges young players face. “There’s a lack of positive role models that kids can relate to. Drugs, alcohol, and social pressures are everywhere. We need to start educating professional players and coaches first because young players imitate them. The way we communicate at home, on the field and at school needs to be the same.”
Influences and coaching philosophy
Galada has had the privilege of working alongside some of the best development coaches in Cape Town, including SIFA’s own Harper ‘Coach Gromps’ Mapila and Ian Taylor. Other influences include Brandon Truter, a coach he admires for his tactical knowledge and leadership.
He continues: “Coach Gromps’ patience and humbleness in developing young talent into professionals is something special that I always wanted to do, and from Ian Taylor, it is his achievements and drive in the sport that made me believe in myself. I always told him he was my mentor.”
“I like watching top coaches and stealing all the good things they do,” he adds with a laugh.
Building a future on a solid foundation, at SIFA
Galada’s vision as a coach is clear: continuous growth for himself and his players. He understands that football development requires balance.
“The most important thing for a coach is to always be eager to learn. I want to help more players develop and achieve their goals. I also want to help grow the SIFA programme along with the SEF [Spirit Education Foundation] programme; not just to create football players, but to develop better human beings who will make better decisions further down the road.
“Technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental strength; players need to understand that all three aspects must combine for them to develop properly. My job is to educate them and help them understand what to do to grow and what not to do.”
More than just a coach
At SIFA, he sees himself as more than just a coach; he wants to be a mentor and a big brother to his players. That doesn’t mean he’ll go easy on them.
“I want them to feel safe enough to express themselves on the field. Confidence is key. I expect them to trust me, whether it’s about football or personal struggles. If something is going on at home or in the hostel, I want them to feel free to talk to me.
“Sometimes I’ll be tough in training because I want them to grow and do their best. But when it comes to serious matters, I want them to know I’m here to listen and support them.
Galada’s philosophy is clear and has allowed the opportunity to pursue his passion.
“Follow your dreams, have a proper plan, and stick to it. No matter what happens along the journey, always go back to your plan and see how far you’ve come. It won’t be easy, but trust in the process. Learn from those who have been there before you, take the positives, and stay enthusiastic. Always do what you do with a smile and love.”
