Gomora United Coach Highlights Sifiso Timba’s Edge Through Youth International Experience

Gomora United coach Ashley Makhanya has praised Kaizer Chiefs loanee Sifiso Timba for the advantage his international youth experience gives him over his teammates. Timba, 19, joined Gomora United on loan as part of Chiefs’ strategy to give their DStv Diski Challenge stars exposure in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The national under-20 right back made his debut in the Nedbank Cup last 32 against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday, putting in a composed performance despite Gomora’s 2-1 defeat. Makhanya said Timba’s time with Chiefs’ youth system and the national under-17 and under-20 teams prepared him well for competitive senior football.

Timba’s international experience includes competing at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year, winning the AFCON and reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup. Makhanya explained that exposure to high-level tournaments allowed Timba to develop technical and tactical awareness beyond his age group. “When you play international football at a junior level, that is huge. That level is very high. You face teams and players who are physically and mentally demanding, and it teaches you to adapt quickly,” Makhanya said.

The coach added that Timba’s background made him more confident and less likely to be overwhelmed by senior-level matches. “Some of these young guys here don’t have that base of youth international experience. Timba has faced quality players at under-20 level similar to what he sees now. That is the difference. He knew how to shift, read the game, and move the ball effectively,” he said. Makhanya stressed that consistent investment in youth development at club and national level is key to producing players capable of handling competitive leagues.

Reflecting on his own experience, Makhanya highlighted the value of international exposure for young players. “When I was at under-20 level, we travelled to Italy, France, and played against German clubs. It helped us develop quicker. Many of us were not overawed when we entered the PSL because we had already faced high-level competition,” he said. He urged clubs to continue investing time and resources into youth development, stating that there are no shortcuts in football.

Timba is expected to play a crucial role for Gomora United in the remainder of the season. Despite sitting 12th in the standings, the club remains mathematically in the race for promotion with 13 matches left. His international experience and composure at senior level could provide a key advantage as Gomora seeks to climb the table. For the 19-year-old, this loan spell is a vital step in translating youth success into consistent senior-level performance.