DURBAN - Golden Arrows’ reserve team player Siboniso Conco has mourned the death of former coach Bheka Phakathi, who passed on in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning.
At the time of his passing, Phakathi was a coach at ABC Motsepe side Umvoti FC, where he coached Conco during his loan spell from Arrows’ B team during the 2016/2017 season.
“I've endured a great loss following his passing,’’Conco said. “I really enjoyed working with him. He was a strict person, with no special preferences or whatsoever. But since I was young, sometimes I would sulk or become moody but he never gave up on me. Instead, he showed me what I need to do in-order to get the work done.’’
READ MORE: Bheka Phakathi dies in car accident
Conco continued: “Coach Phakathi was like a father figure to me. He gave me strength to face a lot of things in life, and that is all due to his guidance and support. He was very passionate about his job; hence he always wanted the best results”
The 22-year-old recalls the last words of encouragement that the former Orlando Pirates' player gave him: "'Make a name for yourself at your current team, don’t rush to look for greener pastures'. I’ll never forget those words, they’ve really built me and I’ll always refer to them wherever I go.'"
Conco has seemingly already implemented those words this season. Since his return to Abafana Bes’thende, he's enjoyed several good outings, scoring eight goals in 13 appearances. As a result, he's been tipped as a favourite for the MultiChoice Diski Challenge player of the season award. Winning the gong, will surely be a great deal in commemorating his late mentor.
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