SIFA Operations manager has youth development at his core

The Spirit International Football Academy (SIFA) has appointed Bryce Lenders as its new operations manager, to advance its mission to develop young footballers on and off the field. A former professional player with a deep passion for youth development, Lenders brings an array of skills to the role, along with a clear vision for how SIFA can shape the future of South African football.

Lenders’ football journey began in Woodstock, where he played for local club YMO St Luke’s under the guidance of his father and grandfather. He later moved to Rygersdal before joining Old Mutual Academy, where he was coached by some of the most respected names in Cape Town football, including Dylan Deane, Ian Taylor, and Noel Cousins. The latter two coaches are also part of the SIFA family and Lenders ascribes much of what he has learnt as a coach to Cousins and Taylor.

“My football intelligence grew playing under them,” Lenders recalls. “Not saying my father and grandpa didn’t give me any guidance, but I learned a lot about the game in those years.”

As his playing career progressed, Lenders transitioned from an attacking role to right back, a shift that required him to adapt quickly. “I had no knowledge of defending, but I applied myself, and through that, I became a pro,” he says. His playing career took him to clubs like Cape Umoya United, Two Oceans Academy, and Western Cape Fleetwood, where he gained first-hand experience of the challenges and lessons that football can teach.

His decision to move into coaching was driven by a genuine desire to bring about change in players, beyond the game. “I decided to go into coaching to make an impact on others; not necessarily through football, but through life,” he explains. “Football may be the tool, but creating good human beings is what drives me to continue making an impact as a coach.”

Lenders’ coaching philosophy centres around the holistic development of young players. His passion for youth football is evident in the way he speaks about coaching.

“Football development allows coaches to eliminate bad habits and teach the young players the basic foundation of football. That foundation will carry them through their careers and personal journeys. To see how players progress through the different phases and how they grow as human beings to become good people and footballers; that’s the most rewarding part of coaching.”

His inspiration in coaching comes from Noel Cousins, whom he describes as the best he has ever observed in terms of character, football experience, and player management. As a player, Lenders looked up to Brooklyn Poggenpoel, someone he still admires today. “The way he lives, carries himself, and approaches his profession; he’s just a well-rounded individual with strong character and a big heart.”

Now at SIFA, Lenders sees his role as more than just managing football operations. “I hope to learn as much as I can, on and off the field. To help build this project with different dynamics, not just focused on football but also on the individual through education. I want to make youth, and parents believe that it is possible. I’m just willing to serve the youth and the community attached to SIFA.”

For young coaches and players looking to make it in football, his advice is simple: “Keep it simple. Approach every training and opportunity with an open mind. Be willing to learn and to be patient. Understand that things take time, and when the time is right, the opportunity will present itself.”