Talent spotted at Ke Yona trials
Young football players show skills in event’s search of future stars
THE best young soccer players in Nelson Mandela Bay were put through their paces in the tryouts for this year’s Nedbank Ke Yona Team at the Wolfson Stadium at the weekend.
In last year’s competition, three players from the Bay were chosen for the team.
Khabo Zondo, one of the selector coaches for the Ke Yona Team search, said they were looking for players who were aggressive in front of the goal.
The former Royal Eagles coach said he had already spotted a number of players on Saturday with the qualities that they were looking for this year.
“In the past four years, we have looked at players in regard to the strength we wanted the team to be,” Zondo said.
“After having analysed everything, we found we were not scoring goals and were very defensive.
“This year, we changed and decided we wanted players that are going to show us some arrogance going forward.
“They must create far more goal-scoring opportunities and also let any club or team that we are playing against at least defend hard.
“By doing so, we hope that some goals or maybe winning a match is possible. If you don’t take such risks you are not going to win any match.”
Zondo said, as coaches, the selectors had decided to look at players who are more offensive and who can play from the right-back position but have the ability to also go forward.
“I feel that this year we saw more players who are technically sound in attack and have good ball skills, “he said.
“We are still going to sit down and decide who we take from all these players.
“But what we have seen so far has shown us that there is a lot of talent in this region.”
Lazola Sidzuno, of Kwa-Magxaki, believes he has the qualities that the coaches are looking for.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is confident he will make it to the next round of the competition.
“The Ke Yona Team search competition is tough – there are plenty of good players here,” Sidzuno said.
“What motivated me to come for the trials was the fact that I have seen many young up-and-coming players make a name for themselves through this competition.
“I am confident I will be able to further impress the coaches with my skilful moves.”
Ayabonga Mandla, 19, came all the way from Adelaide, and said it was his second attempt at the Ke Yona Team tryouts.
“I had gained a lot of experience last year and I was also able to work on the areas that I was lacking in a bit.
“I am positive that this year I’ll go all the way.”
Nedbank football sponsorship manager Tutu Skosana said he was very happy with this year’s turnout of players.
“Port Elizabeth has always showed us good support, he said.
“Once again, in 2017, coming to the Wolfson Stadium we witnessed young and hungry talented guys who want to make a name for themselves.
“I have not seen the entry numbers yet, but looking at the crowd and at the competitors that have come through this year, it seems that we do have an increase in numbers.”