Zothwane wants to help his players with their ambitions of reaching Bafana Bafana and securing opportunities abroad.
The former Premier Soccer League (PSL) star is determined to use his experience to guide the next generation, believing young players have the potential to go further if they make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Zothwane admits some of his current players were not even born during his playing days, but believes being coached by former professionals gives them valuable insight into what it takes to succeed.
He wants his charges to surpass the achievements of players such as himself, Paulus Masehe and Teko Modise, rather than simply follow in their footsteps.
“I’m not a coach who speaks about themselves, but I want to help these players become better than me, Paulus, Teko and many other players that came before them,” Zothwane told iDiski Times.
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“I want to see them playing in the national team, making a difference in their lives, taking care of their families and making it abroad. Rele [Mofokeng] has done it, but unfortunately, us, with the talent we had, we couldn’t.”
The coach believes former players bring valuable experience to the technical bench, but insists that the youngsters must take responsibility for translating that knowledge into performances.
“But it motivates them to be coached by people who played the game, who know what they are talking about. It can only motivate them because us, we can only talk, but it’s about them implementing whatever we are saying,” he added.
While Sekhukhune are still working towards reaching their desired level, Zothwane is encouraged by the squad’s response to his methods.
“So far, they have responded positively to how we want them to play. Unfortunately, we are not where we want to be, but in terms of the result, in terms of the progress, we are slowly getting there,” he concluded.
Sekhukhune beat Richards Bay 3-1 on Sunday to reach the Carling Knockout quarter-finals.