POMONA, Calif. – With final exams of the Spring Quarter approaching, the Cal Poly Pomona men's soccer team took a short break for leadership and motivational lessons when legendary Israeli coach Ze'ev Seltzer visited campus in late May.
As a player, Seltzer competed for the Israel National Team between 1964 and 1970. He began his coaching career in 1976 and managed the Israel U-19 team from 1995 through 2006 while also directing the national youth program. Seltzer now serves as the Youth Director for the Beitar Nes Tubruk Netanya professional club.
"This is an amazing opportunity for our coaches, players and community to connect with creative soccer minds like Ze'ev," Broncos' head coach Yossi Raz said. "Although his visit was brief, it was very educational and rewarding."
During Seltzer's visit to Pomona, he spoke to the CPP student-athletes in a classroom at the Bronco Student Center. In covering a variety of topics, Seltzer compared the training tactics of U.S. and Israel. He also listed some of the common characteristics that he sees in successful players at the pro level.
"The way of soccer is to outwork your opponent and to always believe in yourself and the team," Seltzer said.
One Bronco student-athlete asked Seltzer what he looks for when scouting players to sign at the professional level.
"First we look for talent, and that is all about the player's coordination with the ball," Seltzer said. "Then, we look for the physical attributes. Is the player fit enough? Is he strong enough?"
In thanking Seltzer for the visit, Raz also took the time to add extra advice for his student-athletes.
"As Ze'ev told you, the better players and the better organizations find a way to work a little harder and to be a bit more committed," Raz said. "It's about us being committed to a goal and believing that our hard work will pay off.
