Nasief Morris wary of UCT expectations based on personal profile

UCT recently appointed Morris as their new head coach ahead of their debut season in the women’s topflight, following their promotion from the Sasol Women’s League. 

However, speaking to SABC Sport, the former Santos centre-back was quick to warn that success will not happen overnight. 

"Because of my name and those kinds of things, it's going to play a big role, there's going to be big expectations, but everybody needs to also understand that things don't just happen overnight," said Morris.

"So it might take us a couple of games into the season to actually find our feet, which happens to any team even in the PSL or EPL – that first couple of games are for you to get into that rhythm and realise the level you're playing at.

"But luckily we will be able to have at least one friendly game with UWC – hopefully in the next couple of weeks, so that we can gauge and see the level that they are at and where we need to be."

With a glittering playing career that took him to Greece, Spain and Cyprus before returning home, Morris believes the experience could come in handy with the players knowing his own playing achievements.

"As a former player, I think it plays a big role, especially when the girls found out who their coach is going to be and knowing a bit about my [playing] career," he added.

"I'm sure a lot of them obviously googled to see who I am, so there was a lot of excitement from their side, like knowing that I'm taking over.

"I think that will play kind of a big role among the players, them knowing the level that I played and the career I had will play a vital role in [their response to the coaching]."

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