Sport & Fitness
Sports Coach
You develop athletes and build teams that win together.
- Starting salary
- R8 000 – R20 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Life Orientation, Life Sciences
What do they do?
You develop athletes and build teams that win together.
A day in the life
You plan training, run sessions, analyse matches, and mentor young players.
Skills you need
- Leadership
- Communication
- Tactics
- Patience
School subjects that help
- Life Orientation
- Life Sciences
- English
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1School sport
- 2Coaching certification
- 3Assistant coach
- 4Head coach
Ways in: Professional certification · University degree · TVET College · Work-based training. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Pretoria
- North-West University
- University of Johannesburg
- Tshwane University of Technology
- SA sports federations
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R8 000 – R20 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R25 000 – R50 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R60 000 – R150 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Coach a junior team
- • Study match tactics
- • Get a federation coaching badge
Try this career
Plan and run a full training session for a younger team.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.