MZANSI has reaped very little reward from the huge post-2010 Fifa World Cup investments in football development initiatives in the country.
The lack of a proper monitoring system has seen many youngsters slip through the cracks of poor development structures, despite huge sums of money being pumped into local football through partnerships between companies and football associations.
Yet another partnership was launched yesterday, between the SA Football Association and Spanish La Liga, with similar aims of unearthing the country’s raw talent.
But La Liga Africa director Antonio Barradas insists the latest initiative is different.
“The main objective is to give a young South African a chance to have a vision – a vision to go train in Spain and maybe play for his national team in future,” said Barradas.
“Maybe we have a Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the rural areas. We don’t know. If we don’t give these kids the opportunity, we won’t know.
“What makes this initiative special is that we go to the rural areas, going to the underprivileged, right at the bottom, because that’s where you are going to unearth the diamonds, the gems.”
Safa president Danny Jordaan says La Liga will also bring certified coaches to train local coaches as part of Safa’s drive to achieve Vision 2022.
“Women’s football development is another special area which needs special dedication. It is within women’s football where we have identified massive potential for growth,” he said.
Jordaan echoed the sentiments of Sport Minister Thulas Nxesi, emphasising the need for schoolchildren to participate in sport.
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