Amakhosi lose talent
Academy players at Kaizer Chiefs still struggle to make an impact in the first team with striker Emmanuel Letlotlo the latest to be shipped out.
Baroka yesterday confirmed the capture of the 22-year-old on a season-long loan.
Could the transfer to Limpopo mark the beginning of the end or rise to greater things by yet another discarded Amakhosi development product?
Over the past few years there has been an unflattering trend that has seen many players from the Amakhosi development structures disappear from the club’s midst.
In January, Lorenzo Gordinho was surprisingly sent out on a six-month loan to Bloemfontein Celtic, despite the feeling that the defender was one of the best performers at the club.
Perhaps the weight on the shoulders on the development players is so immense that they crumble under pressure.
Midfielder Kgotso Malope was on loan at Thanda Royal Zulu for the 2016/17 season but upon his return he could only make five appearances for Chiefs last season.
Last season the club also sent four youngsters out on loan – Itumeleng Shopane, Luthando Sixhaso, Sibongiseni Ngcobo and Surprise Khopotse – at Cape Town All Stars.
While Shopane and Ngcobo have returned to Chiefs, Sixhaso and Khopotse were released by Chiefs. Philani Cele was also shipped out on loan to Vasco da Gama and Swallows before eventually being released to join Thanda Royal Zulu last year.
Former Chiefs defender Nhlanhla Kubeka, who was a development product of the club, feels that the youngsters should take the opportunity to be at Naturena with both hands.
“As a young player you need to have a vision and have to protect your dream. With me I had a desire to fulfil my dream which I had as a young boy,” said Kubeka, one of the most notable players of the Chiefs development products to make it at the club.
“I told myself that whenever I get an opportunity I will take it with both hands. A player has to train well and work hard to develop themselves.