Broncos Soccer & Futsal Tab Allan Siwela As Their Next Bench Boss
The following story is courtesy of Olds College from January 10, 2022 https://www.gobroncos.ca/general/2021-22/releases/20220110hgzxuf.
The Olds College Broncos Men’s & Women’s Soccer/Futsal programs called upon a former ACAC foe as Allan Siwela was hired to be the new Head Coach of the soccer and futsal programs at the college.
Siwela arrives in Mountain View County after having previously served two different stints as the Assistant Soccer & Futsal Coach at Medicine Hat College from 2017-2018 and again in 2021. While on the Rattlers staff, Siwela helped coach the Women’s squad to the 2017 and 2018 ACAC championships where they won Gold medals while also assisting the Men’s team to the top of the podium in 2017 as well.
In addition to his coaching duties at Medicine Hat College, the native of Harare, Zimbabwe also has served in the role of Coordinator of Player & Coach Development with the Medicine Hat Soccer Association from 2016-2022 where he coached the Zone 1 Girls Futsal team to a third place finish at the Alberta Winter Games.
An accomplished student-athlete prior to his coaching career, Siwela immigrated to Canada in 2005 and has called Medicine Hat home since. From 2011-2013, Siwela starred for the Medicine Hat Rattlers racking up CCAA All- Canadian honours in 2011-12 to go along with being named to the ACAC All-Conference team and an ACAC Bronze Medal in soccer. He followed up his strong freshman campaign with a solid 2012-13 season where he was honoured once again with an ACAC All-Conference nod and an ACAC Bronze Medal, this time in futsal.
After his first stint playing with the Rattlers, Siwela transferred to play with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Men’s Soccer program from 2013-15. He would later return to Medicine Hat College to finish his final year of eligibility in 2016-17.
Getting a mainstay in the southern Alberta soccer community to relocate for the Broncos top job is a major steal for Olds College but the chance to be a head coach in the same conference he played in was too big of an opportunity for Siwela to pass up. “I am excited to begin my journey as Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Futsal programs at Olds College. My experience in the league as a player and assistant coach also adds to my excitement and I look forward to competing among other top teams in the league,” stated Siwela. He also furthered his positive sentiment by saying “Beyond the amazing campus and amenities available for students to be successful on and off the field/court, the department’s emphasis on developing student-athletes and always doing the right things even when no one is watching made my decision to join very easy. Not to mention there is a strong sense of family and unity within their athletics department.”
Siwela’s core pillars in building his programs will prove to be a great fit for the Broncos athletics department as he emphasizes a little TLC which will go a long way. “I plan to build my programs around Trust, Leadership, and Commitment (aka TLC). The way we are going to embody TLC in this program is through trust, leadership, and commitment. Trust in the process is fundamental to a good performance. Gaining the trust of your athletes and having them trust in each other and most importantly themselves is the first step towards building a competitive program. As A coach it’s important that I model the appropriate behaviors of a leader and expect the same from my athletes in their daily practices. Lastly, without commitment, meaningful progress and desired outcomes go out the window,” stated Siwela before adding, “the goal is to create an environment where players feel safe, are encouraged to be competitive, always learning, and promote creativity. The goal is for them to go back into their communities and become model citizens by embodying these characteristics.”
About Olds College:
Founded in 1913, Olds College has been offering quality hands-on education for over a century. A distinct, provincially focused institution that supports the teaching and learning of all Albertans. Through their regular programming, continued education, and online and blended programming, they provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. They are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through their applied research and integrated learning, they are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. Working closely with industry to advance and adapt the institution’s programming to ensure that graduates have the skills to succeed. To learn more about Olds College and the Olds College Broncos, go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.
Source:
https://www.gobroncos.ca/general/2021-22/releases/20220110hgzxuf