‘Parreira was on another level’

KICK OFF: What do you miss the most about football since you retired?

Surprise Moriri: I’m still involved in the game. The difference is that I’m now coaching and no longer actively playing. What I miss is the competitive part of the game. When you are involved in training; in preparations; planning; plotting; the adrenalin on the eve of a crucial game; the adulation when you enter the pitch. Here and there I play for the over-35s in social matches, but the competitive part of the game is one thing I can say I miss most. But I’ve made peace with the fact that I’ve hung up my boots.

Have you altered your lifestyle from that of a sportsman now that you are retired?

Obviously when playing you are always thinking about the next game. But when coaching, you still have to plan for the next game before you go to training. You have to add the administrative part of the game as part of your duties. Your focus changes because now you are working with youngsters and that comes with its own demands and responsibilities. You know boys will be boys and part of your job entails ensuring that they do not bunk school in preference of football. You must demonstrate to them that education is equally important, and they must find a way to balance the two.

When did you decide it was time to retire?

It was during