With the debate raging regarding who deserves to win the DStv Premiership Coach of the Season award, former Marumo Gallants mentor Dylan Kerr has given his thoughts on the matter.
For Coach of the Season, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena, Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC gaffer Steve Barker have all been nominated.
Traditionally, coaches who have won the league stand a better chance of winning the award.
However, in 2021, then AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy was named 2020/21 Coach of the Season after guiding the side to a second-place finish in the standings and leading them to the CAF Champions League for the first time.
READ | EXCLUSIVE: African giants enter race for ex-Pirates star!
McCarthy, at the time, beat favourites for the accolade, in Downs co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Mokwena, as well as then Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi.
There is currently a big debate on who deserves it for this past season, after Mokwena won the league title with seven games to spare and Riveiro brought home two domestic cups.
But there is a neglect, at least among fans, of what Barker has achieved by qualifying Stellies to a CAF tournament for the first time, after booking their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup having finished third.
Speaking exclusively to KickOff, Kerr, who helped Wrexham gain promotion to English League One as part of their coaching staff, suggested that there should be an explanation on why they chose the winner and it should not be a foregone conclusion that just because a coach won the league or cups, he should walk away with the award.
The ex-Moroka Swallows tactician indicated that he had no problem with Mokwena winning it, especially given the travels The Brazilians had had to make during the season, which would have taken a toll on their domestic endeavours.
However, he insisted that titles should not be the main barometer, as what a coach achieves with the resources he has, as in the case of Barker, should also be taken into consideration.
"Tell the people why, not just say, 'Oh, congratulations, because he's won the league yet again'," Kerr said.
Stand A Chance To Win A Vivo V30e Smartphone!
"Or, 'Congratulations because he's won the Nedbank Cup again. It should be chosen always on merit."
The PSL Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 23 June.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!