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Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine
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“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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”