Hyballa remains in charge of Sekhukhune United but won’t sit on the bench

But Hyballa will not sit on the bench this weekend, as he’s still awaiting his work permit. It’s been widely reported that Hyballa is on his way out even before he even coaches his first game in the MTN8 against Cape Town City at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. 

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SABC Sport understands that there are some internal and personal issues around Hyballa and the players, but he sounds happy with his new environment.

''I get always asked questions as to how I adapt to the South African style? You know I go my way, not really adapting. The players are here, they play football, with left and right foot. Some points are different, but I really like my players. In the first five weeks they have done everything, we train a lot, twice a day, four to five hours on the pitch. We did video training and video sessions,'' said Hyballa.

This week, the story has been that there seem to be some divisions between some players and Hyballa, but SABC Sport has also established that this is more of a situation of adaptation between the two parties to each other’s way of doing things (culture shock). 

Against Cape Town City, Sekhukhune faces a much-improved team from last season. They have signed some quality and experienced players, especially in the midfield. But Hyballa is concentrating more on his team than the opponent.

''Look, for me - what is important is my team. I know there's coaches who do a mirror scouting, that means they look at every point about the opponent. I have coaching that has been here in South Africa for a long time, they know all the players. You get that information, but the most important thing is my team, and yes do respect all the teams in the PSL'' added Hyballa.

Hyballa, who hails from Germany, says he’s been communicating more with Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp, whom he calls his mentor, to get to know more about South Africa. The 48 year-old opens up more about how he hopes to take Babina Noko to the next level.

 ''For me personally, it is always an adventure and yes I am a professional head coach. When I got the offer from the club, I researched about the club and I spoke to Ernst Middendorp who is a friend and a mentor, he has been here for long, we spoke about how I should enjoy my job - when you enjoy your job, success comes and we spoke about ambitions,''

At a time when overseas coaches come to the Premier Soccer League with their own backroom staff, Hyballa explains why he’s done the opposite and inherited technical staff who have been working at the club.