KE YONA-PSL INTEGRATION

While players like Aubrey Modiba and Bongani Sam are becoming household names in the PSL after coming through the Ke Yona team, selector Mike Mangena believes the integration of players from the amateur ranks still remains their biggest challenge. “The biggest challenge is integrating these players into professional football,” Mangena says. “After scouting the player, you have to nurture and protect the talent. To integrate these players into professional football, we need to work hand-in-hand with PSL coaches, we need to keep in touch with them on a regular basis because these players are national assets.” And Sam shares the same sentiments with his former mentor. “The Nedbank Ke Yona process is great because you experience a lot of things,” he says. “They treat you like a professional. Everything you do is professional; the way you eat and the way you carry yourself has to be professional. I felt professional even though I was not yet there, but being part of that gives you that feeling. With all due respect, if I had picked a bigger club I was not going to get the opportunity I got with Celtic. So I’m very grateful.”