Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeping coach Rainer Dinkelacker appears to have quite an interesting way of staying on top of his game. Here's a look!
The story
The German coach returned to Amakhosi in July 2023 for his third spell at the club after receiving an offer from the club football manager Bobby Motaung.
He first arrived at the Glamour Boys in 1999 alongside then-manager Muhsin Ertugral and was retained by the side after the Turkish boss' departure and went on to serve the team under various other head coaches until 2013, including Ernst Middendorp, Ted Dumitru, Stuart Baxter, Kosta Papic, and Vladimir Vermezovic.
Read: Dr. Motaung earns his place alongside icons Mandela Tutu
Dinkelacker has took a number of Chiefs goalies under his wing, including Brian Baloyi, Rowen Fernandez, Arthur Bartman, and most notably Itumeleng Khune. He had a second stint with the Soweto giants between 2015 and 2016, serving 41 games in Steve Komphela's technical staff, according to Transfermarkt.
Now aged 74, Dinkelacker seems to have kept in good shape over the years, which is perhaps expected from a goalkeeping coach. One of the main activities that has kept the shot-stopping expert in great health is his undeniable love for cycling, which he began several decades ago in Europe. In one of his posts on Instagram, he revealed that he has even cycled in the Dolomites, a mountain range located in northeastern Italy.
Perhaps one of the reasons Khune is often seen on the bike when it comes to his training regime is largely influenced by his coach. Before joining Chiefs for the first time 24 years ago, Dimkelacker had stints in coach in Austria, Tunisia, and the United States.
Speaking of his recent return to South Africa, he said told Chiefs's official website:"It's a pleasure to come back and coach (my) the goalies.
"When Bobby asked me to come back, there was no doubt in my mind to accept it. I am still part of the family.
Did you know?
Dinkelacker is said to been influential in helping Fernandez secure a move to Arminia Bielefeld in 2007, where the South African stopper became the first African keeper in the Bundesliga, according to German outlet DW.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: