CertFM

2030 Season Review After leaving South Africa and finding my new home in Brazil, I picked the team up 10 games through the season, loitering in the relegation places. I had no fear though as this squad was strong and with plenty games in hand, it would be sooner rather than later that the club would be back in the continental places that they belonged. I had a strong start to my campaign in Brazil, keeping the tactic that worked so well in South Africa as we charged up the league table into 4th place as I went on a run of winning 14 of my first 20 games in charge. Unfortunately, the task was too strong this year as we crashed out of the Copa Sudamericana in the Semis, and starting too far behind to really challenge Flamengo. However I will take the positives and will stress that qualification for the Liberatadores was a really positive sign of how far I can take this team. We eventually finished in 4th place, but some strong recruitment in the off-season might be all I need to help claim the title next year. Season Team League Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC South African First Division 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC South African Premiership 11th 2025/26 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 13th National B Licence 2026/27 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 1st South African Premiership Winners, National A Licence 2027/28 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 2nd South African KO Cup, Continental B Licence 2028/29 Mamelodi Sundowns South African Premiership 1st Super 8 Cup, KO Cup, SA Premiership, Confederation Cup, Continental A Licence 2029/30 Mamelodi Sundowns South African Premiership 1st Domestic Quadruple, African Super Cup, African Champions League Continental Pro Licence 2030 Corinthians Brazilian National First 4th Division (hired in 17th) Challenge Progress Club 1/10 top domestic leagues: South African Premiership (Maritzburg Utd, 2026/27) 1/10 domestic cups: South Africa KO Cup (Maritzburg Utd, 2027/28) 1/5 club continental championships: African Champions League (Memelodi Sundowns 2029/30) 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()

After completing Africa, it was time for the next step. With an increased reputation, I was more selective with the jobs I applied for, only going for teams in continental competition and teams that I felt could contend for titles. I applied for jobs across North America, South America and Asia as I wanted to tick these continents off first before heading to Europe. After multiple interviews and getting quite a few offers back in return, I decided my next move would be... After the 2030 World Cup took place, many jobs were up for grabs as some nations underperformed. I applied for several but I don't think I could believe I got offered the job I did. Now it's time to get cracking on in my 2 new jobs and I'll provide an update at the end of the 2030 season.

Season 7: 2029/2030 Review Although I have really enjoyed managing in South Africa for the first time in my FM Career, I feel it really is about time that I nail down this Champions League victory, and move on with the challenge. Last time out, I made the decision to leave Maritzburg for Sundowns and execute a 2 year plan to get them firstly into the Champions League and then win it at the first time of asking. Welcome to Phase 2 of that plan. So with 4 trophies already in the bag, the coveted African Champions League is what I was resting our hopes on. So with that win, and then a win in the SA Cup we win a very famous sextuple without losing a single game in any competition. This may have to go down as one of my greatest achievements on this game in all honesty. Would love to hear if any of you have done something similar. It is bittersweet though, as like promised, it is now time to resign and move on to pastures new. I'm not sure of where I want my next destination to be, but with a Pro Licence and a 4 1/2 reputation now behind me, I will be looking for underachieving teams that I think can challenge for titles pretty instantly. It is also a World Cup year so I will be checking all international jobs that become available as well. Cheers guys and happy holidays to you all. Season Team League Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC South African First Division 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC South African Premiership 11th 2025/26 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 13th National B Licence 2026/27 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 1st South African Premiership Winners, National A Licence 2027/28 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 2nd South African KO Cup, Continental B Licence 2028/29 Mamelodi Sundowns South African Premiership 1st Super 8 Cup, KO Cup, SA Premiership, Confederation Cup, Continental A Licence 2029/30 Mamelodi Sundowns South African Premiership 1st Domestic Quadruple, African Super Cup, African Champions League Continental Pro Licence Challenge Progress Club 1/10 top domestic leagues: South African Premiership (Maritzburg Utd, 2026/27) 1/10 domestic cups: South Africa KO Cup (Maritzburg Utd, 2027/28) 1/5 club continental championships: African Champions League (Memelodi Sundowns 2029/30) 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()

Great first season in the J1 @corinthiano. I'm eagerly awaiting your decision of what to do next and I know that the trophies will start to flood in for you during your career.

Season 6: 2028/29 Review Shorter review as there are less competitions that are meaningful to us in South Africa and I really want to get you guys up to speed with where I am currently at in the game. With the league and domestic cups ticked off during our stay in South Africa, we are now only focused on winning the African Champions League before jetting off to another continent. To start the season off there was a decision to be made that may shock some of you and have you questioning. There were also some other cool moments during the season as my centre-back won Africa's Young Player of the Year award and I was also entered into the African Hall of Fame. Also on a personal note, I have now received my Continental A Licence and have been accepted on to my Pro Licence, which will hopefully be a benefactor for me when applying for other jobs in the future. Next season, I try and execute the second part of my plan and win that coveted African Champions League. Season Team League Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC South African First Division 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC South African Premiership 11th 2025/26 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 13th National B Licence 2026/27 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 1st South African Premiership Winners, National A Licence 2027/28 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 2nd South African KO Cup, Continental B Licence 2028/29 Mamelodi Sundowns South African Premiership 1st Super 8 Cup, KO Cup, SA Premiership, Confederation Cup, Continental A Licence Challenge Progress Club 1/10 top domestic leagues (South African Premiership) 1/10 domestic cups (South Africa KO Cup) 0/5 club continental championships () 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()

Season 5: 2027/28 Review I've been guilty of racing ahead in this save (been having way too much fun) so I'll have to provide more frequent updates to catch up. After the miracle of winning the league last season, I was looking forward to seeing what this squad could do in the Champions League for the first time. The board just wanted us to ne competitive but for the challenge's sake I was hoping of winning at the first attempt. We started off in the preliminary rounds taking on Gambian outfit Abuko Falcons. They provided no real test for us as we beat them 17-3 over two legs. Guinean side Horoya Athletique were then between us and the group stage but like Falcons, they were easily swept aside with a comfortable score of 9-2 on aggregate. The group stage would provide our biggest tests as in our group were African giants Al-Ahly, as well as Nigerian side Rivers United and Al-Hilal Omdurman of Sudan. Before we got to that though, we were still performing admirably in the league as well as getting to the final of the Super 9 Cup which we would lose in a 3-2 game to SuperSport. In all honesty, I wasn't really bothered by that competition as it doesn't contribute to the challenge. We did however pick up a piece of silverware that counts as we beat Sundowns in the KO Cup Final 2-1 after extra time. I'm very happy at this point with this team as we are able to pick up trophies despite not being one of the big 4 clubs in the country (Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaiser Chiefs, and SuperSport Utd). We were embarrassingly knocked out in the first round of the SA Cup but fixture congestion and rotation definitely had a part to play. Back in the league we only lost 1 game after the mid-season break but way too many draws cost us from winning the title but as that's already ticked off, I was just glad we qualified for the Champions League again after finishing in 2nd Place. Season Team League Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC South African First Division 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC South African Premiership 11th 2025/26 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 13th National B Licence 2026/27 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 1st South African Premiership Winners, National A Licence 2027/28 Maritzburg Utd South African Premiership 2nd South African KO Cup Challenge Progress Club 1/10 top domestic leagues (South African Premiership) 1/10 domestic cups (South Africa KO Cup) 0/5 club continental championships () 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()

Thanks man! Yeah they've surprised me a lot since I took over. Very solid foundation

Season 4: 2026/27 Review Entering into my fourth season, the first with Maritzburg United, optimism abounds as we embark on our first full campaign with a squad that has undergone a significant overhaul. The busy transfer window allowed for strategic signings that not only aligned with the vision for the team but also injected a fresh dynamic into the squad. The media's prediction of a comfortable mid-table finish in 7th place, coupled with 50-1 odds of winning the title, reflected the positive strides we have taken in reshaping the team. I could not have predicted this though as we win 7 of our first 8 games in the league to put us in the lead of the title race at the end of September. Patchier form soon hit though as we were eliminated from the KO Cup and went on a run with only 2 wins out of our last 6 games before the mid-season break leaving us still within a shout of the title but now with ground to make up. When the season resumed we really found our groove as we won 7 out of 8 league games plus advancing through to the quarter-finals of the SA Cup where we would be knocked out disappointingly to AmaZulu. At this point of the season, I resigned from the Kenya job after less than 2 years in charge. I didn't see any benefit as they were miles off ever coming close to winning the AFCON and I wanted to focus my attention on Maritzburg's late title push. That decision turned out to be a great one as we won our last 4 games of the season, and with a bit of luck, as Sundowns drew on the last day, we were announced as champions. If any of my neighbours read this, I apologise for the screaming that came from my house that day as I could never have believed we would win the league in my first full season. Something about this game that makes you feel a sense of euphoria when you pull something like this off. I am glad that my decision to switch clubs has paid off, and I am now looking forward to guiding this team in the African Champions League next year. Season Team Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC 11th 2025/26 Maritzburg Utd 13th National B Licence 2026/27 Maritzburg Utd 1st South African Premiership Winners, National A Licence Challenge Progress Club 1/10 top domestic leagues (South African Premiership) 0/10 domestic cups () 0/5 club continental championships () 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments () .

2025/26 Season Review Going to try and race through these pretty quickly as I am a couple of seasons ahead now: The third season unfolded with a sense of déjà vu for Venda FC, as once again, the odds were stacked against us with 1000-1 relegation predictions. Prior to the season kickoff, my pursuit of new challenges led me to apply for international jobs, and I secured the role of the Kenyan national team manager. The experience, although not extensively detailed, provided a boost to my managerial reputation. Despite the increased reputation, Venda FC's season got off to a rocky start. The struggles on the pitch mirrored the uncertainties off it, with my eyes constantly scanning for opportunities at larger South African teams. Regrettably, interview offers remained elusive, but a silver lining emerged as Venda FC finally acceded to my request for coaching badges. The newfound opportunity for professional development injected a fresh sense of optimism. However, as the season progressed, our performances failed to meet expectations, and after 11 games, we found ourselves languishing in the relegation playoff spot with only two wins to our name. The time had come for a difficult decision. The realisation that a change was needed prompted me to explore new horizons. It was time to bid farewell to Venda FC, a club that had been both a challenge and a source of growth. Enter Maritzburg United, a team facing its own struggles. The offer to become their manager was not a monumental leap, but the prospect of steering them clear of relegation presented an immediate challenge. Accepting the position at Maritzburg United was a pragmatic decision, driven by the belief that I could contribute to the team's survival in the division – a goal that seemed uncertain with Venda FC. The move to Maritzburg United proved to be a resounding success as we navigated through the challenges and secured Premier League safety in 13th place, a feat that brought a sense of accomplishment and vindication for the decision to part ways with Venda FC. Unfortunately, Venda faced a more challenging fate, finishing at the bottom of the table, highlighting the difficulties they continued to grapple with. (Apologies as I had forgotten to screenshot) In the new environment at Maritzburg, a promising horizon awaited. The club's stronger financial standing provided an opportunity for a substantial squad overhaul, allowing for strategic signings that aligned with the vision for the team. The prospect of building a squad tailored to my managerial philosophy and aspirations was an exciting prospect, and the immediate acceptance of completing the National B Licence signaled a commitment to both personal and professional development. Season Team Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC 11th 2025/26 Maritzburg Utd 13th National B Licence Challenge Progress Club 0/10 top domestic leagues () 0/10 domestic cups () 0/5 club continental championships () 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()

I've applied for loads of jobs, mainly looking at the larger teams in South Africa. Problem is my reputation is still low and no coaching licences isn't going to help either

Season 2 Review The 2024/25 proved to be a monumental chapter in Venda FC's history as we embarked on our maiden campaign in the highly competitive South African Premiership. Against all odds, and despite being labelled heavy relegation favourites with daunting 1000-1 odds, we defied expectations and secured a commendable 11th position. The gegenpressing system continued to serve us well, and our resilience and determination kept us clear of any real danger of relegation. However, personally, the challenges behind the scenes have started to wear on me. The financial constraints and limited budgets have become a recurring obstacle, hindering our ability to make the necessary signings to propel the team further. The frustrations are compounded by the club's reluctance to invest in coaching courses for my professional development. While staying with Venda FC has been a rewarding journey, the prospect of reaching new heights with the club is becoming increasingly uncertain. The question of how much further I can take this team with the current limitations looms large. As the season concludes, reflections on the highs and lows become integral to shaping the future. While my commitment to Venda FC remains steadfast, the pursuit of professional development and the desire to take on new challenges may ultimately lead to a crossroads in my managerial journey. The next step will require careful consideration, weighing the current frustrations against the potential opportunities that lie beyond. Whatever the future holds, the experiences and achievements at Venda FC will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of my managerial career. Season Team Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership 2024/25 Venda FC 11th Challenge Progress Club 0/10 top domestic leagues (Insert nations) 0/10 domestic cups () 0/5 club continental championships () 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()

Season 1 Review: Venda FC Decided to give this challenge a go for the first time as I've struggled getting into a save so far this year and so far I have fell in love with this idea. I have already completed a few seasons and I'll backtrack over my progress aiming to do one post per season (forgive me, as the first few posts may seem like a bit of overkill). Embarking on a job search journey can be both exciting and challenging, filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. After several rounds of interviews, countless hours of preparation, and a sprinkle of patience, my persistence finally paid off. I received the news that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my career—I had been hired by Venda FC in the South African National First Division, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect as it happened just before the season was set to kick off. Embracing a tactical approach and philosophy from my real world professional coaching, my aim here is to use a gegenpressing system with a positive mindset with aims to suffocate the opposition, relentlessly pressing and harrying them to regain possession immediately after losing the ball. As the inaugural season with Venda FC ends, the implementation of the system has yielded promising results, culminating in a commendable second-place finish. However, the rollercoaster journey of the season saw a slight dip in form towards the end, emphasizing the competitiveness of the league. Despite the late-season challenges, our hard work and commitment have earned us a shot at promotion through a playoff against the team that finished third in our division and the fifteenth-placed team from the division above. This playoff presents a golden opportunity to showcase the resilience of the gegenpressing system and to prove our mettle against tougher competition. The stakes are high, and the prospect of earning promotion to the higher division adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to our footballing journey. AND WE'VE DONE IT. In a triumphant culmination of our season, Venda FC emerged victorious in the promotion/relegation playoff mini-league. As the final whistle blew on the playoff campaign, Venda FC found itself at the top of the mini-league table, securing not only victory but also a well-deserved promotion to the prestigious South African Premiership. The journey from the National First Division to the Premiership marks a significant milestone for Venda FC and solidifies our place among the elite teams in South African football. The upcoming season in the top tier promises new challenges and opportunities, and we are eager to continue showcasing the effectiveness of our tactical approach while competing at the highest level. See you all next season for the review of our first year in the South African Premiership. Season Team Position Notes and Achievements 2023/24 Venda FC 2nd Promotion to South African Premiership Challenge Progress Club 0/10 top domestic leagues (Insert nations) 0/10 domestic cups () 0/5 club continental championships () 0/1 club world championship International 0/5 continental tournaments () 0/1 world tournaments ()