Wheel is turning, albeit at a snail’s pace
We are inclined to complain when we see something that isn’t how it should be. And many of us are very quick to spot such and raise concerns.
But today I am bucking the trend. I will applaud because even though the issue I had raised previously has not been fully and satisfactorily addressed, at least the wheel is turning.
Over the past couple of years I have been a part of those who complained that the Absa Premiership teams, especially those we consider to be big clubs, had neglected their development academies and relied more on acquiring finished products than promoting their own.
But this season I must say I am impressed with the number of youngsters who have been registered and are being given a chance to play at senior level. This can only take our football forward.
I watched Kobamelo Kodisang play for Wits last Sunday and I saw a move where he chipped the ball over a defender and hit it as it came down, but unfortunately it flew just over the bar. But I was happy with how he executed the entire move, it is stuff I would expect from an experienced campaigner like Sifiso Myeni.
On Tuesday I saw Grant Margeman of Ajax Cape Town going toeto-toe with experienced Pirates campaigners like Thabo Qalinge and Musa Nyatama while Tashrique Morris gave the likes of Happy Jele a tough night.
Sibongiseni Gumbi
Then on Wednesday the week’s big footballing story broke when at just 17 years and eight months, Wiseman Meyiwa outsmarted the Cape Town City midfielders and for me gave a Man-of-the-Match performance which he capped with a confidently taken goal for Chiefs.
There is also Nkosingiphile Ngcobo who is waiting for his chance at Amakhosi. Meyiwa gives Steve Komphela some relief as he now knows that when Willard Katsande is unavailable, he has good cover.
There is also Teboho Mokoena of SuperSport United who has become a regular player for Eric Tinkler’s side. And at Platinum Stars there is Sibongakonke Mbatha.
Pirates have Lyle Foster who the coach has had good words for, saying he doesn’t want to rush things but will give him a chance.
Pitso Mosimane has Keletso Mkgalwa, Thendo Mukumela and Motjeka Madisha. Madisha has become a critical player for Masandawana.
There are many others at various teams waiting for their chance and this is a good sign for us. One must also not forget to note the contributions of Molefi Ntseki and Thabo Senong, our national Under-17 and Under-20 coaches who have mentored some of these players over the years.
Qualifying for junior international tournaments is where these youngsters learn a lot about professionalism. The time has come for us to give better support to the youth teams and ensure they are properly managed and provided with excellent resources.
After all, the future is in their hands. If we fail them, we are failing ourselves. Last week I called for us to use the failed World Cup 2018 qualifying run as an excuse to start afresh by focusing on these youngsters and ensuring they know the country is relying on them to take us out of this mess we are in.