Soccer
Fish: Time to move on
2009-05-21 10:49
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Johannesburg - Former Bafana Bafana international defender Mark Fish, on Thursday lambasted the number of development initiatives in the country, saying more needs to be done in order to create the stars of tomorrow.
Fish, who won 62 caps for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, believes it is the responsibility of the stakeholders in the game to ensure the country's long-term footballing future.
"I think for too many years we lived off the glory of our 1996 Africa Cup of Nations win, and I can say that as one of those who played in that side," Fish said. "We seemed to take it for granted the structures that were in place then would carry us forward, but that has not been the case.
"There is amazing talent in this country, but there is a lot more to being a footballer than raw skill. The best players in the world have been coached into what they are today and if we can improve our coaching at grassroots level, that will filter up to the First Division, Absa Premiership and, ultimately, Bafana Bafana."
Fish was also keen to congratulate national captain Aaron Mokoena on the launch of his Foundation to be held on May 28 at the Emerald Casino Resort in the Sedibeng District Municipality.
The aim of the Foundation will be to provide quality coaching to schoolchildren across the country, starting with an initiative to boost the number of qualified coaches in the Sedibeng region.
"I think it is fantastic and congratulations to Aaron," Fish said. "The schools are so important as that is where you have access to the young people and can provide focussed coaching clinics on a regular basis.
"I remember when Aaron came with the Bafana Bafana side to Burkina Faso as a 17-year-old, just to observe what it was like to be in the national set-up. I think he learnt a lot on that trip and he has now risen to captain of the side.
"It is fantastic that he is working hard to give something back to his local community, the youth of South Africa, and, hopefully, through the unearthing of some rough diamonds, Bafana Bafana in the future."