MARQUES SCOUTING FOR DECO IN MZANSI

Zeca Marques has linked up with Barcelona legend, Deco, with the aim of identifying talent in South Africa and creating a direct channel to Europe.

Marques has been involved in local football for several years, having coached the likes of Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows and Santos, and is now looking at creating opportunities for Mzansi’s future stars.

As the Technical Director of BSI ( Balderstone Sports Institute) Football Academy, Marques explained that Deco has purchased second tier Portuguese outfit, UD Oliveirense, and the former Portuguese international has identified South Africa as a country with potential future stars.

“Deco bought himself a club now. The club is called UD Oliveirense. They are in the (second) division and Deco is seriously looking at South Africa to focus on the youth, to sign youngsters with talent, so it is a great link with someone who is one of the highest profile players that Portugal has had in the last years.

“He was an agent but now he has taken over a club. He has some brilliant ideas, he is a forward-thinking person and he is looking at Africa for the talent. He realises that there is a lot of African youth going through to Portugal and he has asked me to be involved in looking for talent and linking them up with the club,” Marques told the Siya crew.