After Sekhukhune United followed Orlando Pirates in testing the role of a striker coach with ex striker Collins Mbesuma, Vladislav Heric, working with 'Ntofontofo' at Venda FC, discusses why PSL clubs don't take the role seriously.
Sekhukhune made a bold move at the beginning of last season after appointing Mbesuma as their striker coach.
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However, the former Zambian international did not return to Babina Noko, despite the side finishing fourth in the Betway Premiership.
In comparison to Europe, where Benni McCarthy was famously roped in as striker coach at Manchester United, the specialist role is seemingly not taken seriously by PSL clubs.
After the league's record top scorer with 25 goals (and 35 in all competitions) in one season for Chiefs was appointed by Venda, KickOff.com caught up with VFA coach Heric to find out why the role is seemingly underestimated in the top tier.
"I don't know but sooner or later they will take it seriously," Heric reveals.
"I don't think it's a budget issue, this is not big spending. Sooner or later, the clubs will realise that they need such, it's very important.
"So, we desperately need those types of coaches in the PSL. But you will see, very soon they will start to employ the attacking coaches."
At the back end of 2022, Pirates appointed Scott Chickelday, who had previously worked at top English clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers and was a personal finishing coach of high-profile players such as Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliot and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
However, he only lasted five months at the club, having left a big impression and improvement, with indications that the Soweto giants could not keep him longer due to his high billing rate.
So, are there enough former strikers in the country ready to step into these roles?
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"There are strikers who can become coaches. I think we do undermine that aspect, we rather spend a lot of money on other things.
"But definitely, in the future we have to consider that the striker coach plays a very important role in the technical team and I believe Collins will prove that in the First Division," the ex-Cape Town Spurs mentor added.