A STEPPING STONE TO EUROPE

A move for a young player from South Africa to a top-flight club in Israel is unusual, so just how did Rowan Human make the switch to Maccabi Tel Aviv? “We have worked with Rowan since he was 13 or 14 years old and we have seen him mature on and off the pitch. We always knew from an early age what a special talent he is and that he will do well in his career,” says Human’s intermediary Paul Mitchell from Siyavuma Sports Group.

“With [BidVest] Wits being sold, going to TTM was not an option. We looked at what was best for Rowan, what was the best future for him. How could we build him a pathway to the kind of professional career we know he can have?

“We had loads of interest in South Africa as you would expect and we narrowed it down to one local option at the time, which we were prepared to look at. But in terms of overseas, Maccabi Tel Aviv came in strong.

“They had watched him over a long period of time. They saw him at the COSAFA Under-20 [Championship] in Zambia [in 2019].

“We felt getting Rowan into Israel, which is part of UEFA, would be beneficial. They have top facilities, top coaches and everything is very professional there.

“We discussed it with Rowan and his family, and everybody felt this was the right move. Ultimately, we believe he has the talent to be in one of the best leagues in Europe one day.”

Mitchell says he has been delighted, but not surprised, by how well Human has adapted to life abroad and to the style of play in Israel.

“He has played in numerous positions, right of a [midfield] three, left of a three, played at 10, played in his preferred position of number eight.

“Most of the players at Beitar are on loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv. They train next to the first team, both teams use the same analysts, so they are always watching and assessing his progress.

“I have told him to just keep going now until the end of the season. I have set him a target of 8-10 goals and I think he can achieve that.”

Mitchell adds they will reassess Human’s situation at the end of the campaign in consultation with Maccabi. “We will sit down at the end of the season and see what their plans are for him. At the moment it is just a question of carrying on his fine form and hopefully he will be on the Olympic Games plane.”