Lindani Nkabinde, a former player turned assistant coach for the North-West University (NWU) Varsity Football team, has seamlessly transitioned from the pitch to the technical bench, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game.
Overall, his transition to assistant coach has been smooth with only a few challenges. "In the beginning it was awkward to coach players I used to play with, but when it comes to player profiling, this counts in my favour as I know their strengths and weaknesses," says Lindani.
He adds that his firsthand experience with these players has allowed him to build strong relationships and to offer personalised guidance that enhances their performance.
Lindani’s belief in the team's potential is unwavering, and he is confident that they have what it takes to bring home another Varsity Football title. "I always tell them that self-belief and hard work will make us succeed."
His football journey began at the tender age of six, playing for Mofolo Leeds and later moving on to Inqaba during his primary school days. His talent caught the attention of larger clubs, which lead to him joining Yebo Yes, a feeder team for Orlando Pirates at that time. His career progressed through various clubs in the ABC league, and he eventually earned a spot in the Nedbank Keyona team in 2016, who played against SuperSport FC. This was a significant milestone, marking his entry into higher levels of competition.
"When I was playing for Zone Mavo in the ABC league in Mpumalanga, I got a call about an opportunity in the North West province," he recalls. That call led to a life-changing decision to join the NWU, where he had to learn to balance playing football and pursuing his studies. His hard work paid off, earning him a qualification and a contract with Baroka FC in the Premier Soccer League. After completing his stint with Baroka, he returned to the NWU, where his coaching career began in earnest.
Reflecting on the Varsity Football tournament, Lindani is full of praise for the platform it provides. "Varsity Football is a great initiative where players can showcase their talent. It also gives them an idea of how things are done at professional level," he says. His passion for nurturing young talent is evident, and he takes pride in being part of a system that prepares student athletes for both academic and sporting success.
As he continues to build on his coaching career, he offers a piece of advice: "Don’t take the opportunity of being able to study while playing football for granted. I believe my own journey is a testament to the power of education combined with sports, and I hope to inspire others to seize the opportunities before them.”
Lindani Nkabinde, assistant coach for the NWU Eagles, in action on the field.
