Middendorp raves about young Celtic star Zuma
BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic coach Ernst Middendorp believes he has uncovered a real gem in teenage left winger Dumisani Zuma.
The 19-year-old, who can also play as a striker, put in another superb display in a losing effort at Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday and was the most impressive performer from either side.
Ajax coach Roger de Sa described him as “a helluva player” after the game and Middendorp says he is one of the best young talents he has ever seen.
“I have worked with a lot of players in the last 21 years of being a professional coach all over the world and the basic talent and initiative he has, coming out of Hammarsdale, is one of the best,” Middendorp said.
“He has now played eight games in a row, I think, and although he has to learn a little bit more about staying on his feet, we are very happy.”
Zuma was spotted playing for ABC Motsepe League side Kings United in KwaZulu-Natal and joined the Celtic development team. Middendorp says he very quickly saw there was something different about this talent.
“I had him in a training session and after half of the session I could see that there was a lot of potential there and he definitely has a huge, huge future.”
Celtic have struggled to hold on to their top talent in recent years, unable to match the financial muscle and lure of the top teams in Gauteng.
Middendorp admits it is already a concern for him that Zuma could be lost, but says he is trying to manage the situation.
“The problem that I face is the same as in a lot of cases in South Africa – too many brothers, sisters, uncles and agents want to have their say about his future. At the moment, these people are listening to what I am saying.”
Zuma, despite
his blossoming soccer career, says he still dreams of being “a psychologist or a journalist”.