Bridges appointed as MSSA online coach

The Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has announced on Tuesday 1st March 2022 the appointment of Barry Bridges as the association’s online coach and wellness consultant.

The appointment was announced on MSSA’s official blog, stating that the association “is ever mindful that it is possible to improve player welfare and thus performance. With such a belief in mind, MSSA has appointed Mr Barry Bridges as its online coach and wellness consultant.”

Bridges’ appointment will see him offer remote support for Team Esports South Africa at the 14th IESF World Esports Championships to be held in Bali, Indonesia from November 27th – December 9th, 2022.

He will also offer support in various sectors in wellness such as sleep, nutrition, exercise and overall cognitive performance for players. The qualified sports scientist will further help MSSA ensure that its players are mentally and physically ready for competition.

Speaking about the appointment MSSA president, Colin Webster, stated that Bridges’ appointment will raise South African esports to a new level “Barry’s appointment will not only have immediate effects on the South African Esports Protea Team but will also raise all South African esports to a new level.”

Bridges comes with a wealth of experience in the sports industry, holding international certifications in sleep science, sports performance, golf fitness, and FMS movement testing. He has over 12 years of experience working with Golf fitness for professional golfers such as interprovincial, national and sunshine tour golfers.

He also has experience working as a coach for strength and conditioning (soccer), corporate wellness, sleep coaching, and esports performance.