A former NWU Soccer Institute player, Michael Radebe has made the transition from the pitch to the training room, now serving as strength and conditioning coach at Durban City Football Club. The club was recently promoted to the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“Studying sport science at NWU laid a good foundation for my current role,” says Radebe. “The sports science programme helped with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in programme designing and player monitoring, which is one of the critical factors in conditioning.”

At Durban City FC, he is responsible for planning and delivering strength and conditioning sessions, implementing injury prevention strategies, conducting fitness testing, and monitoring player load and recovery. He collaborates with both the medical and technical teams to ensure players are physically prepared for their training and match demands.

“My contribution lies in ensuring players remain at optimal fitness levels throughout the season, minimising injury risk and improving physical performance,” he says. “I must ensure that every registered player in the team is fit, fresh and available for the selection of the team every week.”

He credits both the NWU’s academic setup and his time as a player for shaping his approach as the club’s conditioning coach. “The exposure to real-life performance environments gave me a solid understanding of how to apply classroom principles in the field.”

His background as a former player has helped bridge the gap between athlete and coach. “I can understand the players’ behavioural patterns and pressure relating to performance,” he says. “This assists me in designing sessions that are scientifically sound, practical and beneficial.”

Communication and discipline, he adds, are values he carries over from his playing days. “It helps me create a culture where athletes feel heard, understood, and pushed to their highest potential.”

Durban City FC’s promotion to the PSL marks a new chapter for the club. For Radebe, it also marks a new level of responsibility, one he says he is equipped to handle, both in the classroom and on the field.

Michael Radebe is now serving as strength and conditioning coach at Durban City Football Club.