Action-packed football season expected

THE amateur season is upon us and local football associations in KZN are looking forward to another exciting year of action.

The recent Easter weekend saw the associations host their traditional knock-out tournaments, now they are ready to start league competitions.

Safa Phoenix began their campaign with an annual general meeting that saw Desmond Ganesan win a third term in office as president.

Ganesan, who won the election unopposed, is confident his administration will develop the sport in the region. “The association has grown a lot since I took over in 2011,” he said.

“From 18 clubs across all divisions, we now have 42. We have also successfully revived over-35 football.”

Phoenix will boast two teams in this season’s SAB regional league: Faith FC and Durban Boys.

Ganesan says the focus will again be developing grass roots football. “We have one of the biggest junior structures in the province. We recently started an U7 league. It is important for us introduce the game to young players,” he said.

The league campaign starts on Friday.

Safa Durban Central reported a smooth registration process and expect to kick off the season at the weekend. “We have been boosted by a number of junior and senior clubs opting to join us this year,” said the association’s head, Errol Sewnarain.

One of their big commitments this year was to school coaches. This week they will be the only LFA in the province and only the second in the country to host a Safa D coaching course. “It will be run by Safa officials at Curries Fountain and 40 of our coaches will get a chance to participate,” he said.

“We know if the standard of coaching is better, our players will benefit. This qualification will be mandatory next year.”

Durban Central will again host a two round league, FA and Divisional Cup, as well as four inter-district competitions.

Sewnarain said: “We will play against Phoenix, Chatsworth, Kwamashu and Durban South.

“The LFA also plans to introduce a women’s league.

“It’s ground-breaking. We will have eight teams competing.”