Name: Brendon Carolan
Age: 29
Who do you currently coach in South Africa…? Club? Province? National? Any team achievements you want to mention?
UKZN (Durban) Men’s 1st (7th year)
Kwa Zulu Natal U21 A indoor (Winners 09)
South Africa U19 (U21 Tournament Winners 09)
South Africa U18 and U17 Boys
KwaZulu Natal ‘Raider’s Men (Winners 09)
Glenwood High School
Previous
KwaZulu Natal U21 A (Winners 06)
KwaZulu Natal ‘Raiders’ Women (4th 07)
What are your thoughts on the performances of the South African Senior Teams this year?
Good. Haven’t seen enough to comment but I think the guys have generally been getting the selection right which really has helped results. Looking forward to a top series, to test the guys.
What are some of your achievements as a coach?
Above at 2
(Most importantly, you’re only as good as the players you work with)
A few 2nd places at the U21indoor and outdoor 08.
Lots of U21 indoor 2nd places to the Inlands guys prior 08.Thanks Gally
FIH High Performance Coach (Awarded 08)
KZN Coastal has had a very successful season in terms of their results at Senior and U21 tournaments. What do you think the secret to the success of the province has been?
In the U21 program as well as the senior program having most of the players based at one institution (Club) really has helped team development going into tournament.
7 in the Raiders men and 14 in the U21 side from UKZN really has helped a group of players buy into our systems and processes that I have tried to implement pre and during tournament. As well as a group of senior players that bought into the HP training side of things leading into tournament.
A more competitive, local KZN League.
Most importantly a GIFTED GROUP OF PLAYERS
Your views on the strength of South Africa’s league and Provincial Structures? Any suggestions on how to improve them?
The normal standard argument of more consistently competitive hockey. A NHL throughout the season but budget constraints does not make this viable
More non institution Clubs and players having the correct training methods and ethic, including players conditioning relative to work to increase our player base.
What do you believe is the key to being or becoming a successful coach?
Coaching consistently, so you can learn through your own errors. The ability to learn from other people or through coaching courses.
The motivation to spend time on the field and build a team over months to years.
PLAYERS RESPECT!!! Players will only implement things that they believe in.
A full time hockey coach…. Your choice is playing or coaching. Not both
Who is Brendon Carolan when not at hockey?
A fairly quiet, reserved person when not on the hockey pitch which might surprise some.
Enjoy the gym, generally being healthy. Love beach life in Durban. Running my new Labrador Gabi
Other interests?
Fly-fishing is a big family pass time. Dads very involved in the rugby scene so rugby as well. Enjoy all sports
