As part of the AFL’s Coaches’ Association Diversity Program, the Brisbane Lions will host Anda Tyalana.
The idea developed in conjunction with the AFL Coaches' Association will be trialled at clubs six clubs – Brisbane, St Kilda, Essendon, Greater Western Sydney, Carlton and the Sydney Swans.
As part of the program, to be assessed at the end of the year, the coaches will spend one training day at their clubs during the week, as well as match days.
South African born from Queenstown in the Eastern Cape Province, Anda moved to Australia in 2001.
An amateur coach in community football, Anda has spent past 15 years working in construction, while maintaining a steady passion for AFL.
Anda began coaching in 2011 at Toowong Bulldogs when his son began playing in the junior competition.
He was selected to represent the local community as a multicultural ambassador, and, in 2015 he joined the U16 All Nations Diversity Championship as an assistant coach.
It was from there when Anda was selected to be a line coach for the world team, working alongside former AFL player David Rodan. He returned to the All Nation Diversity Championships this year as Head coach of the QLD team.
Brisbane Lions Skill Development Manager and Training Coordinator Gary O’Donnell said it was an exciting opportunity for the Club and for Anda to be involved in.
Anda began his role at the Club a fortnight ago.
“It’s a good experience for Anda and it’s great to have him around. He’s asking plenty of questions.
“We’ll do more and more each session as he gets to know how we operate and what other coaches’ are doing.
“We’re more so letting him be the sponge and observe. If he takes three or four things into his coaching away with him, this program has been a success.”
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