Magesi FC head coach Clinton Larsen has looked back on his time coaching in the third tier of South African football, the ABC Motsepe League, nearly two years ago.
Experienced coach Larsen took the reins at SAFA KZN side Summerfield Dynamos in July 2021, a stint that lasted until January 2023 in the ABC Motsepe League.
Prior to this, he had parted ways with Polokwane City FC following their relegation from the DStv Premiership in the 2019/20 season.
During his time at Summerfield Dynamos, Larsen led the team to a remarkable achievement: qualifying for the 2022 Nedbank Cup after winning the provincial Nedbank Cup qualification round. The team’s journey in the national competition culminated in the quarter-finals, where they faced a formidable opponent in Mamelodi Sundowns. Unfortunately, Summerfield Dynamos succumbed to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Tshwane giants.
CLINTON LARSEN EXPLAINS HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE
The 2024/25 Carling Knockout Cup-winning mentor, Larsen, revealed that coaching in the SA third tier was one of the best experiences in his football coaching career.
He further stated there is not much of a difference between the PSL and the amateur league; it’s only the level of competition that differs.
“Well, going down to the ABC Motsepe League was a breath of fresh air for me, especially at Summerfield Dynamos,” said Larsen.
“You know, I was in such a professional environment. It was an amazing experience because I didn’t expect an ABC Motsepe League team to be run so professionally.
“So, it was a breath of fresh air and one of the best experiences of my coaching career. For me, nothing else is different between coaching in the PSL and the ABC Motsepe League.”
Larsen continued: “For example, there is a training field, there is an opponent, there is a coach, and there are players. So, nothing is different; it’s just the level of competition that is different, but it was one of the best footballing experiences of my life.”
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