DUAL DREAM BLOG

Why Deli Ali’s interview is so important for South African football

Gary Neville's interview with Deli Ali is possibly one of the most important football interviews of a generation.

7/19/20233 min read

How coaches can make a long-lasting impact on their player's education without being great at maths!

A coach often has quite significant authority and power in the lives of the players they coach. In this article, I highlight a simple (and non-time consuming) way coaches can help ensure players are fulfilling their academic potential/working hard in school.

davewaters.sa

12/6/20213 min read

Why it’s a mistake for academies to only have 'the careers chat'​ in the later years.

In previous articles, I've challenged the notion of giving 'Plan B' career chats to academy footballers. In this article, I highlight that there is a need to be talking to players from the youngest ages in academies/clubs about some key realities around football & non-football careers.

davewaters.sa

12/1/20212 min read

Why a scholarship may be the greatest opportunity in football...even for very good players.

Many Academies are naturally geared towards getting players into pro football, but with so many academy players destined for disappointment if that's their only goal (or perceived pathway in life), maybe right from the younger ages scholarships should be highlighted much more clearly as a great pathway...

davewaters.sa

11/20/20212 min read

‘I’m 24 & playing in SA's SAB/ABC League… The PSL or Europe is still my dream’

Many Academies are naturally geared towards getting players into pro football, but with so many academy players destined for disappointment if that's their only goal (or perceived pathway in life), maybe right from the younger ages scholarships should be highlighted much more clearly as a great pathway...

davewaters.sa

11/20/20212 min read

Is a player competing in the South African DSTV Diski Challenge (PSL Reserve League) now a professional footballer?

Can we blame players for feeling as if ‘they’ve made it’ when playing in the South African Diski Challenge?

davewaters.sa

11/10/20212 min read

white printing paper with numbers

The stats that every academy player dreaming of PSL football should know. (2)

An article exploring the 'Funnel' academy players need to filter through to move into professional football.

davewaters.sa

9/20/20212 min read

Why it’s time to stop talking to footballers about ‘Plan B’.

An article critiquing the commonly used football phrase "needing a plan B"

davewaters.sa

9/13/20212 min read