Growing football at grassroots level
THE newly appointed vice-president of the South African Football Association ethekwini region would like to nurture local talent to be able to represent the country in football.
Desmond Ganesan, 54, of Phoenix, said his experience and knowledge in football administration helped him to be voted into the position.
Ganesan, who has been in football administration for over 25 years, served three terms as president of SAFA Phoenix, after serving as vice president and secretary.
He got involved in the game when his son played football.
“I took an interest in his playing. I coached him when he was 6 years old. But I thought why serve one individual when I could serve a broader community.
“We come from an excellent sporting family with great footballers and athletes. My dad and uncle played football and my sister achieved her South African colours in athletics,” said Ganesan.
He said he travelled to a few countries overseas such as the UK, US, Germany and some Asian countries to learn more about football administration and how the game was played abroad to be able to help promote the sport locally.
“Football is my passion.”
He said he will now be administering the sport to 21 local football associations.
“Our priority is to ensure the game is being played at all 21 associations. Football at grassroots level has to be played for us to produce footballers for tomorrow.
“The talent is there but has to be identified at grassroots level. SAFA ethekwini is the biggest region in the country. We have to continue producing the best to play at a higher level,” he said.