In the brand new section 'Back as Trainer' we talk to former Ajax players who are back on their former nest. The first episode features Lesly de Sa, assistant coach of Ajax O14. “My ambition is to become an assistant at Ajax 1,” he says.

“I was eight years old and then I got the letter that I could train with Ajax,” De Sa begins with a big smile on his face. “I had such a nice childhood here and made a lot of friends. I became a lot of champions, it was a very nice time.”

Debut

De Sa talks about his first contract. “I was so happy when I got a contract, it was a very nice moment. When Frank de Boer joined the first team, players moved up to Ajax 1 more often. I made my debut against Noordwijk. In the end I played a nice game and scored.”

The former Ajax player, after leaving Amsterdam, injured his knee. He no longer reached the level he wanted and hoped for and decided to quit. The focus went to a coaching career. “I asked to join Ajax and was allowed to. I really liked that and enjoyed being on the pitch with the boys. So that's why I'm still here.”

Connection

De Sa is working with the U14, “They are boys who give everything and are eager. We don't have to push them and that's nice. I am assistant to Frank Korpershoek and I feel comfortable with that. I learn a lot from him and he is clear about everything.”

Korpershoek already knew De Sa from his time at Telstar. “It's nice to run into each other again here. He knows what is asked at this level and he knows the pluses of being a youth player. He knows what the guys are up against and what the downsides are. It feels nice to have someone who knows what he's talking about. He's a fantastic addition.”

Whether the players know De Sa? “Some do,” laughs the former Ajax 1 player. “I want to give them that they realize that they have it very good at Ajax. And that they have to come here to get better. We are here to help them realize their dream. My ambition is ultimately to become an assistant coach at Ajax 1. I feel at home and grew up here: I have nothing to complain about.”

Source: AFC Ajax

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