Just how far along has local football come?
LOCAL football has for far too long trod in the shadow of its international rivals. However, are we beginning to witness a shift in this aspect? Are the winds of change blowing through South African soccer?
Just how far has local football come, can it push on even further, or are European teams far too strong?
This particular type of topic has multiple facets and requires a few pertinent questions to be answered. Are large sponsors investing in local football? Are local fans filling up our stadiums? Is the media providing the coverage that local football clubs would come to expect?
At this stage of our footballing development, it is difficult to provide exact answers. Although there are a few qualified people who might be more in the know than most about this particular topic.
managed to catch up with Maritzburg United manager Quintin Jettoo, who offered his opinion on the matter, in terms of what he has experienced at the highest level of South African domestic football, namely the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“Previously there was very little coverage, attention and focus on local football. Scribes, media, fans and sponsors were few and far between. This was to be expected as the game wasn’t fully professional,” said Jettoo.
However, he does feel that this has changed in the modern era.
“Nowadays, though, we simply can’t complain. We are enjoying more coverage as players, administrators and teams.
“The fans are filling up stadiums, as you would have seen for Maritzburg matches at the Harry Gwala Stadium, and we are grateful for that.
“Yes the higher LSM still gravitate towards Europe, but more and more youths are supporting our local game. Having giants such as Absa supporting the league also helps,” said Jettoo. He credited the huge DStv deal for the recent upswing. “The mammoth R1.6 billion initial broadcast deal with SuperSport benefited South African football as a whole. We as clubs get our matches shown, and this helps us at least compete with the English and Spanish leagues. It helps us financially, too.”
Local soccer legend Vincent Pillay, who once played for Verulam Suburbs, offered a differing view.
“Local football will sadly never reach the heights of Europe as the youth of today have other interests. Those who are indeed into soccer show more support for English clubs.
“I myself am a die-hard Manchester United fan and don’t support any local club. The majority of us were sidelined in the old days and hence gave up on the local game,” he said.
Two differing viewpoints.