Former Chiefs Defender Wants Club Legends Back in Training Ahead of Soweto Derby

In an exclusive chat with EfirBet South Africa from his home in the historic township of Sharpeville in the Vaal, Rooi shared his experiences of playing in the South Western Township football derby.

He admits Chiefs’ form is concerning ahead of the match, as they have struggled for consistency in the build-up to the first Soweto derby of 2026. Here’s what Rooi explained to Efirbet:

It is very difficult to tell if the gents have improved from last season or not, you don’t know if they are building on what they did last season because they are inconsistent. I believe the coach’s mentality plays a big role in how much passion the players show on the field. The coach said he was relieved they didn’t lose, that is not the right mentality for someone coaching a big side like the Chiefs, they need to change that, and you will see it in how the players perform.

Having played in several derbies for Chiefs against Pirates in his heyday, Rooi believes the pressure of the clash can make or break a player.

During his time with Amakhosi, he says, the players would have heart-to-heart conversations with club legends in the days before the derby to help them cope with the pressure. He urged the Naturena-based club to revive this approach.

We would prepare from Monday leading up to the game on the weekend. The club legends would attend training sessions with us, motivate us and give advice on how to approach the game. In our conversations, they would speak to each player and tell them what they have observed about them in previous games and areas they felt needed to be improved, so we can dominate Pirates.

They would remind us to fight for the club’s badge and make sure we understand this is a make-or-break game that could kill your confidence, we had leaders as well within the team that carried us. These are the two elements that I think are missing in the team right now.

Rooi laments the lack of support from the SAFA wing in the Vaal, saying it is slow to initiate and facilitate coaching badge programmes for retired players and aspiring coaches. According to the former defender, anyone seeking coaching badges in the Vaal must study in a nearby province, such as the Free State, to gain the necessary qualifications and training.

The 43-year-old believes preparation for life after football should begin at least five years before a player officially hangs up his boots. From conversations with retired players who were fortunate enough to play in Europe, he learned that clubs in those leagues help players earn coaching qualifications through club structures before retirement.

I learned through the conversations I have had with big brothers life Makalakalane that in Sweden, they assisted them to gain coach badges and experience when they were nearing retirement.

There is the financial aspect of saving for retirement but knowing the career that you want to pursue after is important and building while you are connected to the club and still in the spotlight is important and helps you to plan better, said Rooi.

Rooi is currently assisting with training and coaching at Nale Academy, which competes in the Super League, while he waits to attend a C-license coaching programme.