Gareth Ncaca returns home to lead ABC Motsepe League promotion bid

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Gareth Ncaca says taking charge of an ABC Motsepe League side in his hometown of Paarl was an obvious decision as he continues to develop his coaching career.

The 44-year-old is returning to the Boland region after a highly successful spell with Antalyaspor JPM Under-18s. During his time there, he helped transform the academy and guided the side to victory in the Bayhill Premier Cup, the Cape Town leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge and the Engen Champ of Champs, among other honours.

Those achievements included success against several of the Western Cape’s more established youth structures.

Ncaca believes the move gives him an opportunity to contribute to the community where he was born and which played a major role in his development as both a footballer and a coach.

“Paarl is my hometown and it’s very close to me,” Ncaca told KickOff.

“Besides, this community made me who I am today. So, giving back is a no-brainer, you know. I’m invested and passionate about the project and excited about this venture.”

Known as ‘Mabhuti’, Ncaca has previous experience in the Second Division, having managed Ikapa Sporting a couple of seasons ago.

He said that spell had helped him grow in the profession and that he remained committed to learning.

“Yes, it’s definitely not unfamiliar territory and I am grateful for the opportunity Ikapa gave me as it allowed me to grow as a coach and I am still a student of the game,” he said.

Ncaca wants to combine the club’s competitive ambitions with a clear focus on developing local talent and creating opportunities for young players from Paarl and Cape Town.

“I think that should be obvious, man. I think everyone comes into this league to try and win promotion, you know. But ja, we never forget to develop the players as well and give them insight and an opportunity,” he said.

“For us, it is also about providing an opportunity for the kids here in Paarl and Cape Town as a whole as well.”

He added that the wider purpose of the project was to give the community hope, inspire younger generations and create a positive footballing environment.

“If the team is doing well, it creates a nice atmosphere for the kids to come to the field,” Ncaca said.

He also hopes the club can act as a pathway for gifted players who might otherwise struggle to attract attention from teams at a higher level.

“There are a lot of good players, a lot of young, very good, talented players. But because they’re too far and there’s only one team, which is Stellenbosch…” he said.

“As much as we can, we can see the emotions here, but they can’t take everyone.”

Ncaca ended by expressing his gratitude to Antalyaspor for giving him the opportunity to “spread his wings” in coaching.