What are the facts?

Khan was a key part of the successful Transnet School of Excellence programme, which was started back in 1994, with just 47 players. The programme was aimed at identifying talented young football players from rural and underprivileged communities to prepare them for a professional career on the football field, where, along with academic and holistic life skills education, they received specialised training to develop their natural football talent.

The ex-Santos head coach played a key part in producing elite players

“I actually wished he had gone back to Chiefs and taken up the position that was vacated by Molefi Ntseki. The good news is that someone from the same school of football, Cavin (Johnson), took up that role. I’ve seen what Farouk could do with the limited resources he had at his like Steven Pienaar, Gabriel ‘Ninja’ Mofokeng, Elrio Van Heerden, Bernard Parker, Daine Klate, Bryce Moon and Masilo Modubi, amongst others. Following his stint at the School, he took up a role as Head of Academy at Amakhosi, where he helped develop players like Nhlanhla Kubheka, Gerald Sibeko, Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu), Thabiso Malatsi and Junior Khanye, to mention a few.

Two years later, following stints with Mamelodi Sundowns and Santos respectively, Khan would begin disposal, yet he was able to produce top players who went on to have good lives even after football. Imagine what he could do at a big club where there is no shortage of resources. I think his talent is being underutilized, even by SAFA. He could be contributing to our junior his own passion project – Stars of Africa Academy. With limited resources and their small Mayfair base, the academy managed to furnish a number of teams both locally and internationally with top players, many of whom have gone on to represent Bafana Bafana. Having produced the likes of May Mahlangu, Tokelo Rantie, Tefu Mashamaite, Luther Singh, Pule Maraisane, Surprise Ralani and Patrick Maswanganyi, Khan’s Atrium will look to produce even more players at the new and improved facilities.

The Siya crew spoke to a top agent in SA to get their expert understanding on what’s going on. For obvious reasons, the agent will remain anonymous.

national team, his track record speaks for itself. However, I’m glad that he is continuing with his own venture and that it has grown in stature. I so wish that he could get all the sponsorship he needs to make a success of this as it is much-needed in our country.”