Mark Williams is best known for scoring the two goals which won South Africa the 1996 African Cup of Nations. Now, the former Bafana Bafana star is scoring for beach soccer development, and the impact could, in time, overshadow his 1996 heroics.
Williams is currently one of only eight coaches worldwide who have the top Fifa beach soccer coaching accreditation, and he is using his knowledge to develop the sport in South Africa.
The 41-year-old was first brought into the beach soccer setup for the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2006 Qualifying tournament as a senior player to give the young team some experience as they aimed for a spot in the World Cup finals in Rio that year. Last year he coached and played for the national team at the qualifying tournament
This year he will not be involved in the on-field activities, but his long-term contribution could be the catalyst which makes South Africa a beach soccer powerhouse.
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