Romain Folz Shares His Journey

ROMAIN FOLZ

SHARES HIS JOURNEY

Author: John Aliu

Known for his innovative tactical approach and impressive resume, Romain Folz’s appointment as an assistant coach at Mamelodi Sundowns brings fresh energy to the Club’s coaching staff as they gear up for a monumental season that will culminate in their participation at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Romain joined Masandawana from FIFA’s High-Performance Department, where he worked on the development of football strategies and player performance enhancement. Folz, who holds a UEFA Pro License, has previously worked in South Africa and across several African countries, where he developed a deep understanding of the continent’s football dynamics.

He expressed his excitement at joining the Yellow Nation, highlighting the Cub’s rich history and ambitious goals.

“Sundowns is a truly interesting Club. When you are outside, you never fully understand the depth of its culture and operations. But when you are in here, you get confirmation as to why the Club has encountered so much success. So many things are done extremely well around here. The Club puts everything in place to ensure success, from player development to tactical training and community engagement. I am excited to be part of this journey and contribute to the Club’s vision of becoming a dominant force in African football and on the global stage.”

On what attracted him to Masandawana, Folz shared, “To be honest, I was very happy with my role at FIFA; I had a lot of responsibilities, working with good people on meaningful projects. But when Sundowns came calling, so many elements came into play. The prospect of working with a top Club in Africa, playing numerous games and competing in several competitions was incredibly appealing. I also have great respect for the Motsepe family and what they have done for South African football. Their level of passion, dedication and enthusiasm for the Club is truly inspiring.”

He continued, “Additionally, working with Coach Manqoba Mngqithi was a significant factor in my decision. I share many football ideas with him and I believe that our combined vision can elevate the team further. The opportunity to collaborate with a coaching staff that values innovation and player development aligns perfectly with my philosophy. I see this as a chance to contribute not only to the Club’s success but also to the growth of the players and the entire organization.”

Aside from working in Africa, Coach Folz has also gained experience in North America, Europe and even within CONMEBOL, where he earned a Pro License.

“The exposure to different football cultures and the opportunity to see how various federations operate has broadened my perspective significantly. Each region has its unique style and philosophy, which has greatly enriched my understanding of the game. This global perspective allows me to integrate various tactical ideas and player development strategies that I’ve encountered during my career. I’m excited to bring some of these insights to the Club and adapt them to our unique context.”

On what his immediate plans are with the coaching team, Folz remarked, “A lot of good work has been done by previous coaches and I have a great respect for their contributions. However, there is always room for improvement. We have an identity of play that we want to build upon and I’m eager to analyze our current strategies to see where we can enhance our performance. My focus will be on fostering a collaborative environment where players can thrive and adapt to our style while also implementing fresh ideas that can elevate our game to the next level.”

Having traveled around various countries and worked with diverse teams, Romain reflected on which experiences shaped him the most. “My first club in Ghana, Bechem United, was unique. It was located in the middle of a village and I was all alone there. It was one of my first experiences as a coach, teaching me a valuable lesson: if you do not pull up your socks every day, you will not win anything. This humbling experience helped me understand the importance of hard work, dedication and resilience in coaching.”

When asked about what he does outside of football, Folz chuckled, “It has to be football! 😂 When I’m not on the field, I’m still thinking about it. I also enjoy traveling to places that football hasn’t taken me to yet. I love hitting the gym, playing five-a-side football and I have a passion for learning new things, including new languages.”
On which country or city holds a special place in his heart, Folz said, “Obviously Morocco, because my mum is from there. Another place is Johannesburg. When I arrived here, the Sundowns supporters were incredibly welcoming; it was the first time I had experienced such a warm reception.”

Finally, Coach Romain reacted to the CAF Champions League group stage draws, where Bafana Ba Style will face two Moroccan sides: Raja CA and AS FAR.

“During my time in Egypt, I traveled several times to Morocco for CAF competitions, so I am not new to the country. Even when I was younger, I visited several times due to family ties, and it has a special place in my heart. We know how competitive the Botola league is, so we expect tough encounters. We respect their capabilities, but we also believe in our strength as a team. Our focus will be on preparation, strategy and executing our game plan effectively. This tournament is a significant opportunity for us to showcase our talent and determination on the continental stage.”

As Mamelodi Sundowns prepares for the competitions ahead, the combination of Folz’s innovative strategies and the rich legacy of Sundowns creates an exciting prospect for supporters and players alike. With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, the Yellow Nation looks forward to a season filled with ambition, growth and success.

Johan Neeskens: Honoring the Legacy of a Football Icon

Sundowns Ladies Discover Their Opponents in the CAF Women’s Champions League

Cultivating Champions: The Transition Approach at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns Marks World Charity Day in Kwa-Mhlanga

Coach Jerry Tshabalala Shares Valuable Takeaways from Women’s Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

Categories

Social Footprints