Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Moeneeb Josephs has emphasized the importance of giving praise to the current generation of footballers, particularly in a time when they face immense pressure and scrutiny from both the public and media. According to Josephs, former players and pundits should not hesitate to applaud young talents, as their recognition can fuel their growth and development.
While some critics argue that showering young players with praise too early could inflate their egos and cause them to lose focus, Josephs strongly disagrees. He believes that the current generation of players, particularly those in their early years of professional football, are highly self-conscious and sensitive to criticism. In his view, a simple negative comment can derail their careers before they even take off, while a positive word of encouragement can help build their confidence and motivate them to achieve greater success.
As part of the backroom staff for Harambee Stars under coach Benni McCarthy, Josephs has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by emerging players. He believes that constructive criticism is necessary for growth, but he also stresses that praise plays a critical role in helping players thrive. Many young athletes today are accustomed to being judged harshly, and Josephs feels it is crucial for those in positions of influence, such as former footballers, to acknowledge their potential and offer support rather than simply pointing out flaws.
In an interview on a South African football podcast, Josephs highlighted that some critics have been quick to accuse ex-players of “hyping” up emerging talents. He pointed out that such accusations often come from those who may not fully understand the challenges that today’s players face. The former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper argued that recognizing a player’s talent is not about inflating their ego but rather giving credit where it is due. “We are not feeling envious when we see a star for the future; our hearts are open because we want to see these players succeed,” he said.
Josephs expressed concern about how today’s players are often overburdened by negative feedback, which can lead to a lack of confidence. He believes that players, particularly those in their formative years, need praise to help them develop mentally and emotionally. This kind of encouragement, he explained, motivates them to continue striving for excellence and overcoming the hurdles they may face along the way.
The former goalkeeper also touched upon his admiration for young players at his former club, Orlando Pirates, who recently secured a first-leg advantage in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over MC Alger. Josephs was particularly impressed by the performances of 19-year-old Mbekelezi Mbokazi, 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota. Mbokazi’s strong defensive display, coupled with Mofokeng’s assist and Nkota’s goal, showcased the bright future of these young players, according to Josephs.
For Josephs, the key takeaway is that the current generation of footballers thrives on positive reinforcement. In his experience, these players need recognition not just for their talent but also for their mental resilience. While it is essential to criticize and correct mistakes constructively, praising their achievements and potential is just as important in ensuring their growth both on and off the pitch.
The message is clear: we should be mindful of how we speak about young players and ensure that our words help, rather than hinder, their journey to success. Recognizing their accomplishments, especially when they are just starting out, can provide the necessary encouragement to push them toward greatness.
