The general secretary for the South African Football Association (SAFA) eThekwini region Isaac Buthelezi has applauded the impact of junior regional leagues in many sporting codes that are doing great.
Following the recent results and impressive form of the national teams on different sporting codes and levels, Buthelezi believes that more credit should be given to regional leagues for their foundation on future stars.
Last week, Amajita (South Africa Under-20) defeated Zambia to claim the COSAFA U-20 title.
This past week, South African teams (boys and girls) secured two trophies for the COSAFA Schools Championship.
Meanwhile, Buthelezi believes that for national teams to do well, more development should be done at the amateur level.
“So, you can have a performing national team, your development must be sharp. If a national team or any senior team is not doing well that means more adjustments must happen within the development departments,” said Buthelezi.
He indicated that a lot of work happens behind development departments and provided a brief insight into the importance of regional leagues and how they operate.
“These regional leagues are indeed important, like we have Sky Tent league which has Under 13, 15, and 17 before Durban Summer League. That league is a combination of teams that have done well on their LFAs,”
“We do see a change in many things because time has changed, here in KZN since we started this journey of junior leagues there has been a huge difference, have a look at AmaZulu FC, they have Under 13,15 and 17 junior teams that participate in Sky Tent league.
As a result, we have seen some of their players being promoted to the DStv Diski Challenge level. So, you could see that a lot of work is being done on development level,” he added.
A few months ago, the University of Western Cape ladies team won the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Champions League and became the first university to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League. With the presence of Hollywoodbets women’s super league and Sasol league, Buthelezi cited a need for women’s junior league.
“Women’s football is now becoming bigger and bigger. We have the Centre of Excellence here in Durban, it has an under-15 squad.
Eight of their players were selected for provincial games. Development is crucial when a person is still at an early stage so we as SAFA regional need to structure a junior football league that will preserve growing football stars”
Thembelani Hlongwane, a fitness and conditional coach at Coedmore Football Academy has identified provincial and regional leagues as a great platform for young players before they further their football careers.
“Provincial football leagues, like the Durban Summer League, play a vital role in promoting and developing young talent. These leagues provide a platform for players to gain valuable match experience, improve their skills, and gain exposure to scouts and coaches from higher-level leagues.
We can also speak about enhancing player’s skills and confidence. It is a phase that any football player should go through,” he said.
Journalist: Bonginkosi Zondi