In South African football, coaches are often celebrated for tactics, line-ups and results. But behind the scenes, many are dealing with something far more delicate: the emotional and personal pressures young players bring into training every day.
At a #NoExcuse engagement in Durban this week, AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane and Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi spoke openly about these realities, underscoring why Carling Black Label’s partnership with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and its PSL Player Programme remains a critical platform for shaping a healthier football culture.
Zwane described how often players turn to coaches as their first point of emotional stability.
“We work with young men from difficult environments. Some have grown up without fathers, some have witnessed violence, and others are navigating pressures at home that the public never sees,” he said. “When they arrive at training, they are human beings first. Campaigns like #NoExcuse help us address important issues and guide players toward healthier ways of dealing with anger, stress and relationships.”
Mngqithi echoed Zwane’s sentiment, noting that the psychological demands of football are often underestimated.
“We operate in a space many people do not fully understand,” he said. “Players are expected to deliver results, but they’re also dealing with internal battles that cannot be separated from their performance. Coaches often step into roles we were never formally trained for. Within the football environment, the #NoExcuse work becomes a practical support system that helps us reinforce responsibility, respect and emotional control.”
Carling Black Label’s long-standing partnership with the PSL has embedded the #NoExcuse message across key football touchpoints — from training grounds to stadiums to broadcast.
Through initiatives such as the Injury Time broadcast integration, matchday messaging, and football-specific communications, the brand continues to use the influence of the game to spark conversations around accountability and positive masculinity.
This season, the PSL Player Programme is intentionally spotlighting the human side of the sport — ensuring that young players receive guidance not only on performance, but on personal conduct, mental resilience and decision-making. Zwane and Mngqithi’s reflections serve as a reminder that nurturing emotionally grounded athletes contributes to stronger, safer communities off the field as well.
The urgency remains clear. South Africa continues to face high levels of gender-based violence (GBV), and the #NoExcuse platform reinforces the idea that what happens within football culture — from locker-room attitudes to fan behaviour — carries real influence beyond the stadium.
A 24-hour helpline supports this work. For silent conversations, WhatsApp the word “BRAVE” to 0800 150 150, or call the same number to speak to a counsellor or mentor.
Win or lose, there is no excuse for gender-based violence.